What changed
Australia beat Fiji 36-22 to reach the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, despite trailing 16-12 after Fiji threatened to extend its lead. Tom Trbojevic scored three tries, while New Zealand restored its qualification hopes with an 82-16 win over the Cook Islands and a record 38-point haul from Jamayne Isaako.
Why it matters
Australia are through, but this was hardly a smooth procession. Fiji had territorial control early and appeared to move 20-12 ahead before an obstruction ruling changed the rhythm of the match. Australia then scored immediately, levelled the game and pulled away.
That comeback will please Kevin Walters. The way Australia’s pack was outmuscled and the tries conceded to Taane Milne and Semi Valemei will concern him more. Trbojevic’s three tries settled the contest, but his defensive vulnerability was also exposed. His own verdict was blunt: Australia need to improve.
New Zealand’s position is more precarious. Isaako’s 38 points broke Tasesa Lavea’s previous single-game record of 32, set against the same opposition in 2000, but the bigger story is what happens next. New Zealand face Fiji on Saturday, 31 October, in a decisive pool match. A win keeps their qualification push alive; the result is now the hinge on which their tournament turns.
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