Rugby league-Ponga and Walsh face off again in World Cup final as NZ look to upset Australia

Australia and New Zealand will meet in the men’s Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane on Sunday, four weeks after Australia edged their opening match 24-22. The rematch puts star fullbacks Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga in focus, as New Zealand seek a second men’s title and Australia aim to add to their record tally.

Ponga returned from a broken arm to help New Zealand reach the final and won the Golden Boot on Thursday, but said his priority was the World Cup. Walsh scored a hat-trick in Australia’s semi-final win over Samoa; Australia have named an unchanged squad, while New Zealand welcome back winger Ronaldo Mulitalo and are monitoring prop Naufahu Whyte. The women’s final between the same nations is also being played at Lang Park earlier on Sunday.