Brilliant Kangaroos are WORLD CHAMPIONS again as superb James Tedesco leads Australia to 30-10 triumph over Samoa in Rugby League World Cup final…and the Jillaroos make it a perfect day for the Aussies by beating New Zealand to win the women’s tournament
Australia confirmed their status as one of the most dominant international sides in sport by winning the Rugby League World Cup for the ninth time in 10 tournaments.
Despite most of the 67,502-strong crowd cheering against them, the all-conquering Kangaroos ensured there was to be no upset at Old Trafford as they comfortably saw off underdogs Samoa 30-10 to claim their third successive title and 12th overall.
It was a ruthless and professional performance from Mal Meninga’s superstar team, as captain James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell both scored two tries, while Liam Martin and Cameron Murray also crossed.
Australia won their 12th Rugby League World Cup by beating Samoa 30-10 on Saturday
Samoa, the first tier-two nation to reach the final, brought the house down with consolation tries from Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton.
But they never threatened a repeat of last weekend’s shock semi-final victory over hosts England, even though Australia had Angus Crichton sinbinned in the second half.
‘It’s an unbelievable feeling,’ said Aussie skipper Tedesco, who played for Italy at the 2017 World Cup.
James Tedesco was named Player of the Match and scored a superb try
Latrell Mitchell (right) scored Australia’s first try and finished with a double on the night
Brian To’o became the first Samoan to score in a Rugby League World Cup final
‘It’s a team full of superstars. We knew we had the individual brilliance but it was just about bonding as a team.
‘We have been getting better and better and this is our best performance as a team. It’s a really proud moment.’
Samoa coach Matt Parish added: ‘We played against a champion team and they were just too good. But I am really proud of what this group have been able to do.’
Earlier at Old Trafford, Australia thrashed New Zealand 54-4 in the women’s final to win their own third straight World Cup. England beat France to win the Wheelchair World Cup on Friday night.
Australia lost Angus Crichton to a sin-bin early in the second half for a elbow hit
But even down by a man, they sliced through Samoa as Cameron Murray scored
Stephen Crichton grabbed Samoa’s second after intercepting a pass from Ben Hunt
Relive all the action from the Rugby League World Cup final clash between Australia and Samoa with Sportsmail’s live blog brought to you by Dan Cancian