Australia reaffirmed their status as tournament favorites at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, mounting a comeback to defeat New Zealand in a high-intensity opener. More than 40,000 spectators—marking the largest Test match crowd in Sydney in five decades—watched Kevin Walters’ side secure a narrow victory in a contest defined by physicality and momentum swings. Australia underlined why they are favourites for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup by fighting back from a mauling at the hands of New Zealand’s powerful pack to win a thrilling opening match of the tournament. With more than 40,000 fans – the biggest Test match crowd in Sydney for 50 years – witnessing the ultimate smash-and-grab victory by Kevin Walters’ side, this was as good as it gets in terms of international rugby league.
Match Scoring Summary
- Australia: 26 (Tries: Bostock 3, Trbojevic, Walsh; Goals: Walsh 2)
- New Zealand: 22 (Tries: McLean, Ponga 2; Goals: Isaako 3; Penalties: Isaako 2)
New Zealand dominated large portions of the match through their powerful pack and an early try from Casey McLean. However, the momentum shifted in the final five minutes as Dolphins winger Jack Bostock concluded a dream international debut with his third try of the night, securing the win for the Kangaroos. Bostock’s performance featured an interception and two impressive aerial efforts to claim high kicks from Cameron Munster.
The match also served as a stage for a highly anticipated rivalry between the sport’s biggest stars, Australia’s Reece Walsh and New Zealand full-back Kalyn Ponga. Ponga, who scored two tries, appeared to hold the upper hand in their personal duel until Walsh produced a pivotal long-range try to tilt the scales. The match ended on a concerning note for the Kiwis, as Ponga exited the field with an injury, later appearing on the sidelines with his left arm in a sling.
Reece Walsh was named player of the match for his decisive contributions. Despite suffering from physical exhaustion and illness, Walsh remained instrumental, notably executing a significant defensive tackle on Ponga in the first half before delivering the game-winning break. While standout displays were seen from Kiwi forwards James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, and Isaiah Papali’i, Walsh’s ability to influence the game at critical moments ultimately proved the difference for the defending champions. There was a huge defensive effort on Ponga in the first-half when he guided his fellow full-back to the outside and then monstered him with a ball-and-all tackle. He then showed the fleetfooted magic in his game with a lightning break to torch the Kiwis and deliver a try that just tipped the balance in the Kangaroos’ favour. Given his recent injury absence, Walsh’s calves and lungs were burning at times while a vomiting spout just outlined the lengths he was willing to go to help his team. And Walsh delivered, knowing you’ve got a matchwinner in the ranks helps Australia deal with being under the pump as they were on significant occasions in this.
