‘That’s Reece’ – World Cup semi-final brings out best and worst of Walsh

Australia beat Samoa 44-12 in Sydney to reach their 16th consecutive men’s Rugby League World Cup final. Reece Walsh scored three of their eight tries, helping stop Samoa’s second-half comeback, while his flair and mistakes captured the risk and excitement of Australia’s choice to play him at full-back.

Walsh celebrated his first-half try with a backflip, which coach Kevin Walters said he had promised to perform for sick children. He has scored five tries in three tournament matches; Australia remain unbeaten, with 170 points from four games and 22 consecutive World Cup wins. They face New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday, where Walsh is set to meet returning full-back Kalyn Ponga again.