Rugby league-Australia thrash Samoa to set up World Cup final against NZ

Australia beat Samoa 44-12 in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final, reaching the final for the 13th time. The win matters as the reigning champions, criticised for their group-stage form, will now face New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday.

Reece Walsh scored three of Australia’s eight tries, while Tom Dearden, Jacob Preston, Tom Trbojevic, Bradman Best and Jack Bostock also crossed. Australia led 26-2 at half-time before Samoa scored twice in the second half; the match drew a sellout crowd of 41,529 in Sydney. New Zealand booked their place with a 34-10 win over Tonga.