Australia started the Rugby League World Cup with a stunning 24-22 victory over New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney. It was a breath-taking match that could go down as one of the greatest clashes between the two nations, with Jack Bostock's hat-trick proving decisive despite the Kiwis dominating for much of the contest. The thrilling showdown drew the biggest crowd for a Test match in 50 years, surpassing the previous benchmark set in 1974.
The result gives defending champions Australia the perfect start to their campaign, sending them straight to the top of Pool A. The sides were locked at 10-10 at half-time after an enthralling opening 40 minutes. New Zealand crossed through a Casey McLean try, converted by Jamayne Isaako, who also added two penalties to keep the Kiwis firmly in contention.
However, Australia hit back with two breakaway tries, as Bostock and Tom Trbojevic both raced over, with Reece Walsh adding the conversion to the latter's score. The Kangaroos were forced to navigate a spell without Kotoni Staggs, who was sent to the sin bin for impeding Kodi Nikorima as he chased a kick with a try-scoring opportunity in sight. The second half saw Kalyn Ponga produce moments of brilliance for the Kiwis, crossing for two tries before being forced off with an arm injury - but Australia refused to buckle.
Walsh produced a brilliant burst of pace to race away for a try, before debutant Bostock rose highest on two occasions to complete his hat-trick. It proved just enough for the Kangaroos to hold on and secure a thrilling two-point victory. With an incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Stadium, international rugby league took centre stage and once the National Anthems and Haka were complete, the players did all the talking.
The Kiwis were on top from very early in the game and turned that into points through a stunning McLean effort in the corner. Ronaldo Mulitalo jumped highest to send out the pass for the centre's gravity-defying finish. With Isaako's conversion, New Zealand had a quick 6-0 lead.
Despite such dominance, Australia took their moments. The first came on the 20th minute when young Bostock intercepted Jerome Hughes' pass and raced all the way downfield to score on his debut to bring the Kangaroos within two points. The first of Isaako's penalties then followed as star man Walsh sent a goal-line dropout attempt straight into touch.
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