Australia reach Rugby League World Cup semi-finals as New Zealand hit back

Australia have reached the men’s Rugby League World Cup semi-finals after beating Fiji 36-22 in Brisbane, while New Zealand bounced back from their opening defeat to beat the Cook Islands 82-16 in Christchurch.

Australia were pushed hard by Fiji, who led 16-12 after the break despite having lost their previous five meetings with the Kangaroos by an aggregate 246-16. The turning point came in a 60-second spell: Fiji’s Solomone Saukuru had a try ruled out for obstruction, then Australia went straight downfield and Tom Trbojevic scored to level the match.

Trbojevic completed a hat-trick, with Jacob Preston also scoring. Fiji’s Semi Valemei scored three tries, while Kotoni Staggs opened the scoring for Australia and Sam Walker marked his debut with a try and 12 points from the boot.

Trbojevic said Australia had areas to improve, adding that they had not started as planned and needed to play their own style. BBC Sport noted concerns about Australia’s pack being outmuscled and defensive lapses, despite the win.

New Zealand’s victory over the Cook Islands was led by Jamayne Isaako, who scored 38 points, including three tries and 13 conversions. His total set a new record for points in a single match by a New Zealand player, surpassing Tasesa Lavea’s 32 against the same opposition in 2000. The Cook Islands had fought back from 12-0 down to lead 16-12 before the Kiwis took control.

The result was a response to New Zealand’s 24-22 opening loss to Australia. The sides had met in the tournament opener, which Australia won with a late try by Jack Bostock.

New Zealand face Fiji in their final Group A match on Saturday, 31 October. Fiji must also play France; the remaining results will determine the other semi-final place.