Walsh Hat-Trick Sends Australia Past Samoa 44–12 Into World Cup Final

Reece Walsh scored three tries as Australia defeated Samoa 44–12 in the men's Rugby League World Cup semifinal at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, November 8. The result, watched by 41,259 spectators, sends Australia into a final against New Zealand in Brisbane the following Sunday. Australia built a 26–2 halftime lead with five tries. Stephen Crichton had put Samoa ahead with a fifth-minute penalty goal, but Tom Dearden scored Australia's opening try two minutes later. Jacob Preston, Tom Trbojevic, Walsh and Bradman Best also crossed before the interval, with Best recording his first Test try. Samoa had a Crichton try disallowed after video review found Francis Manuleleua had knocked on while contesting a high kick. Spencer Leniu was sent to the sin bin for dissent after Best's try. Crichton scored early in the second half following a dropped high kick by Walsh. The Australian fullback responded with his second try three minutes later, and Cameron Munster's conversion extended the lead to 32–8. Izack Tago scored for Samoa in the 61st minute before Walsh completed his hat-trick from a move involving Trbojevic, Dearden and Munster. Jack Bostock added a try with eight minutes left, and Munster converted to complete the scoring. The victory was Australia's sixth in six Tests against Samoa. The November 15 final renews a matchup seen in the 2000, 2008 and 2013 World Cup finals. New Zealand won the 2008 decider at Suncorp Stadium 34–20. Australia and New Zealand will also meet in this tournament's women's final.