Australia Overcome Fiji to Reach World Cup Semi-finals

Australia narrowly defeated Fiji 36-22 to secure a place in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, overcoming a 16-12 deficit after halftime ^[1]. Despite being outmuscled in the pack and allowing Taane Milne and Semi Valemei to score, the Kangaroos rallied after a controversial try by Solomone Saukuru was disallowed for obstruction. Tom Trbojevic, who had looked vulnerable defensively, scored twice in a pivotal 60-second spell, helping Australia regain control. Kotoni Staggs opened the scoring on his home ground, while debutant Sam Walker added a try and kicked 12 points.

New Zealand bounced back from a 24-22 opening loss to Australia with a commanding 82-16 win over the Cook Islands ^[1]. Jamayne Isaako, set to join Melbourne Storm next season, set a new record with 38 points—13 conversions included—surpassing Tasesa Lavea’s 32-point mark from 2000. Isaako scored three tries, supported by hat-tricks from Esom Ioka and multiple tries from Tanner Stowers-Smith, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Casey McLean.

The Kiwi Ferns delivered a crushing 92-0 victory over France, with Stacey Waaka and Mele Hufanga each scoring hat-tricks. Apii Nicholls, Mackenzie Wiki, Raecene McGregor, Tenika Willison, Chantay Kiria-Ratu, and Kaiyah Atai all touched down, completing an 18-try demolition ^[1]. The Kiwi Ferns have now won all three World Cup matches against France by a combined 236-0.

With Pool B action wrapping up on 31 October, New Zealand face Papua New Guinea in their final group game, while Fiji take on France. Ricky Henry’s PNG side are poised to meet either Samoa or England in the semi-finals ^[1]. The story was first reported by BBC News.