# Australia reach World Cup semis & New Zealand get back on track

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/australia-reach-world-cup-semis-new-zealand-get-back-on-track/
- Published: 2026-10-25T11:21:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T12:24:27+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Sport (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c60mekrgx4zvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Sport

## Key points

- Australia edged Fiji 36-22 to secure a semi-final place.
- Trbojevic scored a hat-trick as Australia came from behind.
- Isaako’s 38 points set a New Zealand record.

## Summary

Australia beat Fiji 36-22 to reach the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, despite trailing early and struggling to contain Fiji’s attack. New Zealand also recovered from an opening defeat by Australia, thrashing the Cook Islands 82-16 to set up a decisive final pool match against Fiji.

Tom Trbojevic scored three tries for Australia, while Fiji had led 16-12 and saw a potential try ruled out shortly before Australia levelled. For New Zealand, Jamayne Isaako scored a record 38 points, including three tries and 13 conversions, beating the previous single-game mark of 32. New Zealand’s women also defeated France 92-0.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.