Both teams clinched their titles in the tournament’s dramatic final day at Old Trafford in Manchester
The Rugby League World Cup in England has drawn to a close with Australia claiming both the men’s and women’s titles.
In the men’s final, captain James Tedesco scored a try in each half to help Australia maintain their global domination with a 30-10 victory over Samoa.
Samoa had made history by becoming the first tier-two nation to reach the final, courtesy of their dramatic semi-final victory over England, and emerged with considerable credit without ever threatening to pull off another shock.
The Kangaroos had the patience and composure to deal with their opponents’ unorthodox play and showed their clinical and ruthless side on attack to boss the game and claim a 12th title out of a possible 16.
Samoa, a country with a population of just 200,000, had the support of prime minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa, who flew in especially for the occasion, and the overwhelming majority of the 67,502 crowd.
But the ultra professional Australians ignored the boos and gradually earned the begrudging praise of the English fans as they cruised to a ninth win in the last 10 World Cups.
Meanwhile earlier in the women’s final, the Jillaroos scored 10 tries to crush New Zealand with a 54-4 victory.
Inspired by the brilliant kicking game of Ali Brigginshaw, the Jillaroos turned on the style against opponents who had pushed them to within two points in their previous group-stage encounter.
And in ending the tournament with a cumulative points score of 312 to 12 in their favour, Brad Donald’s team mercilessly set the standard for their rivals if they wish to make a game of it in the next World Cup in France in 2025.
And on Friday night, the wheelchair tournament was won by England, who beat France by 28 points to 24.
Published: 19/11/2022 by Radio NewsHub
