Kangaroos’ Triumph

It’s coming home.

F. A. Loxton

After five years of anticipation and 30 thrilling games showcasing the world’s most talented Rugby League players, Sunday morning saw Australia face Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup grand final. Aiming to emulate the Jillaroos world cup success seen earlier in the day, it would be Australia’s third straight world cup title, with the opponents, Samoa, making a first world cup final debut. This made Australia strong favourites.

The game began with a gruelling ten minutes of back and forth rugby. The Samoan’s proved up for the challenge dominating territory, and were unfortunate to not have been awarded a 40-20 off Chanel Tavita-Harris’ boot, as James Tedesco’s foot appeared to be out. Nevertheless, Australia hit back, showing why they have dominated the international stage for so long, with a try in the fourteenth minute, off the brilliance of Valentine Holmes, with electric pace and footwork from a 20-metre restart. After a Samoan line dropout, Nathan Cleary found Latrell Mitchell for a left edge try. Hosted at Old Trafford, this came as a disappointment to the 67,502 fans, who were mostly supporting Samoa. Cleary failed to convert.

Just four minutes later, Josh Addo-Carr broke through the Samoan defence, and with the captain backing up on the inside, a simple draw and pass allowed James Tedesco to go over. Cleary added the extras with a simple conversion attempt. 

Latrell was unable to score a second, losing the ball over the line, which allowed Samoa a chance to hit back with strong momentum and territory. However, a knock on from Anthony Milford denied the Samoans the opportunity, even after a repeat set, and Reagan Campbell-Gillard snapped up the loose ball to counterattack for the Kangaroos. This was then finished with a pick and go from Liam Martin, who found himself at dummy-half in the 30th minute. Just less than halfway through a world cup final and 14-0 down provided Samoa with difficult circumstances for a comeback.

The score remained the same at halftime, with Cleary failing to convert and chances for Samoa to score edged closer. Taylan May twice was sent racing down the left touchline but strong cover defence denied him a meat pie. In the 47th minute, Angus Crichton found himself off for 10 after stiff-arming Harris Tevita in the head. 

However, Samoa fell further behind with Nathan Cleary throwing a cut out pass to forward Cameron Murray in the 52nd minute. A glimpse of hope struck with Stephen Crichton catching a trademark interception to go over for the Samoans, although carnage continued with Tedesco scoring his second for the night. The match closed with Latrell Mitchell cementing a tremendous performance, as he trampled over the Samoan backline to score in the final minute. 

All in all, Australia’s third straight world cup victory further confirms their dominance throughout the modern era of Rugby League. And with the Rugby Union team struggling, some are saying there may be a need for players to change codes. Nevertheless, Australia’s unbeaten run reflects the tremendous juniors programs and overall talent in the nation, which is reflected on the global stage throughout all sports.