Australian captain James Tedesco was superb to help the Kangaroos win their third men’s World Cup in a row and deny eventual runners-up Samoa the chance to make history at Old Trafford.
By Marc Bazeley at Old Trafford
Last Updated: 19/11/22 6:55pm
Australia celebrate with a trophy following their Rugby League World Cup final win over Samoa
Skipper James Tedesco led the way with a man-of-the-match display as Australia broke Samoan hearts and retained the Rugby League World Cup with a 30-10 victory in the final at Old Trafford.
The finalists looked vulnerable at the start of the contest, but tries from Latrell Mitchell, full back Tedesco and Liam Martin helped ensure they were in control going into the break leading 14-0.
The Kangaroos suffered a setback seven minutes into the second half when Angus Crichton was suspended for foul play which saw Samoan goalkeeper Chanel Harris-Tavita forced off the field with a head injury in her final game before the break.
Despite being down to 12 men, Australia held on for Cameron Murray’s try and although Brian To’o’s late conversion raised hopes of a Samoan fightback, defender Tedesco crossed again with 12 minutes to go followed by Mitchell. sealed a third consecutive World Cup victory with his second.
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Australia advanced to the final aiming to match their women’s team’s feat earlier today by lifting the World Cup for the third time, and it would have been the 12th time since the men’s competition was established in 1954.
Samoa, on the other hand, were in uncharted territory as they reached the world rugby league showpiece for the first time in their history. They also have to beat the Kangaroos for the first time, having lost all three of their previous meetings and conceding 40 points in each of those meetings.
The most recent meeting between the teams took place in the last World Cup in 2017 when Samoa were beaten 46-0 by the hosts in the quarterfinals.
Australian head coach Mal Meninga named an unbeaten 17 for the team that beat New Zealand in the semi-finals. Daly Cherry-Evans was included as the 18th man.
Matt Parish made the switch for Samoa, while Chanel Harris-Tavita came on to start the last game before retiring in place of Fa’manu Brown.
James Tedesco crossed twice as Australia retained the Rugby League World Cup
However he showed every sign of being able to match Australia’s explosive opening 10 minutes that saw them dominate the regional battle and unfortunately not concede 40-20 when Tedesco appeared to have a foot in touch. save the kick for Chanel Tavita-Harris.
The Kangaroos showed why they have dominated the international game for so long despite conceding their first try after 14 minutes – much to the dismay of a crowd of 67,502 in Manchester who seemed to be behind the Samoans.
Valentine Holmes’ electrifying run put the Packers on the front foot following a 20-metre restart. Then, after forcing a goal break, they kept possession and Cleary found Mitchell who dropped a dummy and leaped into the gap for a try without turning left.
Four minutes later, Australia got in again when Josh Addo-Carr broke the line and crossed inside for skipper Tedesco to look clear and finish under the posts, with Cleary adding the extras from an easy converted try.
Australia: Tests – Latrell Mitchell (2), James Tedesco (2), Liam Martin, Cameron Murray; Goals – Nathan Cleary (3).
Samoa: Tries – Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton; Goal – Stephen Crichton.
Liam Martin arrives in Australia for a third attempt
South Sydney Rabbitohs back Mitchell was then denied a second try when he was knocked down near the line, prompting an attack from Samoa. However, he was unable to make it through even with a return set as Anthony Milford was knocked out.
The loose ball was cleared by Reagan Campbell-Gillard to kick off the Kangaroos, which ended in the 30th minute when midfielder Harry Grant found Martin out of the half in the second row to force his way through. from nearby.
Samoa continued to have chances, with Taylan May twice sent running down the left wing but was thwarted by the Australian defence, and had a momentary chance in the 47th minute after Crichton was held up with a stiff arm. Harris-Tavita chapter.
It was at this point that he was left behind after Cleary found Murray with a cutting pass to send the substitutes over for a try. However, Samoa were given a glimmer of hope on the hour mark when attack was rewarded when Kelma Tuilagi sent To’o’s winner into the corner for a try converted by Stephen Crichton.
Brian To’o dives to score for Samoa
But those hopes were dashed when full-backs Cleary and Munster combined to stretch the defense and slot inside Tedesco for his second blast of the night in the 68th minute.
Samoan center Crichton’s interception try was the only consolation for the Pacific Islands, and Mitchell added gloss to Australia’s final goal through the final play of the game.
