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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 17 sources tracked

Australia edge New Zealand in epic World Cup opener

Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in a thrilling Rugby League World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, thanks to a hat-trick of tries from debutant Jack Bostock. The Kangaroos fought back from an early deficit to secure the narrow victory, keeping their tournament undefeated streak alive. New Zealand started strong with an audacious opening try by Casey McLean, but Australia ultimately prevailed behind Bostock's tries and the brilliance of Reece Walsh. The match also saw turbulent moments, including Walsh vomiting after a try and New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga shining before suffering an injury.

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  • ✓ Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in the opening game of the Rugby League World Cup at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
  • ✓ Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick of tries for Australia.
  • ✓ Australian coach Kevin Walters made controversial selection calls that paid off in the victory.
  • ✓ Kalyn Ponga suffered a broken forearm during the match against Australia.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 17 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga underwent surgery for a broken forearm sustained during the opening match against Australia.

Live updates

  1. Australia Edge New Zealand 24-22 in Rugby League World Cup Opener

    Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in a thrilling Rugby League World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, thanks to a hat-trick of tries from debutant Jack Bostock. The Kangaroos fought back from an early deficit to secure the narrow victory, keeping their tournament undefeated streak alive. New Zealand started strong with an audacious opening try by Casey McLean, but Australia ultimately prevailed behind Bostock's tries and the brilliance of Reece Walsh. The match also saw turbulent moments, including Walsh vomiting after a try and New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga shining before suffering an injury.

    Why it matters

    This dramatic contest kicked off the Rugby League World Cup with intense competition between two physical neighbors. Australia extended a tournament undefeated record that stretches back to the 2008 final. New Zealand fell just short of an upset in front of a sold-out crowd in Sydney, leaving the tournament wide open.

    What is confirmed

    • Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in the opening game of the Rugby League World Cup at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
    • Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick of tries for Australia.
    • Australian coach Kevin Walters made controversial selection calls that paid off in the victory.
    • Kalyn Ponga suffered a broken forearm during the match against Australia.

    Still unconfirmed

    • New Zealand refuses to rule fullback Kalyn Ponga out for the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup following his surgery.

    What to watch next

    • Updates on Kalyn Ponga's potential recovery timeline and availability for the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup.
    • Team lineup announcements and preparations for the next round of tournament matches.
    Sources used for this update (16)
    1. www.bbc.com — BBC Home - Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business...
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    4. www.nine.com.au — Maricarmen death: 87-year-old woman whose eviction shook Spain dies in hospital | Nine.com.au
    5. www.stuff.co.nz — Death of 87-year-old Maricarmen is reenergizing Spain's protests to stop evictions | Stuff
    6. BBC — Australia edge New Zealand in epic World Cup opener
    7. NZ Herald — Kiwis lose World Cup opener, Ponga suspected broken arm against Australia
    8. Sky Sports — Rugby League World Cup: Jack Bostock hat-trick inspires Australia to thrilling 24-22 victory over New Zealand in opener
    9. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Quick hits: Walsh vomits after try, Ponga shines then suffers in epic duel
    10. The Guardian — Australia survive a scare as New Zealand light fuse on Rugby League World Cup
    11. 7news.com.au — Australian coach Kevin Walters has last laugh after Kangaroos’ epic World Game victory over New Zealand | 7NEWS
    12. www.cricket.com.au — The Answer: Ton-up Mooney continues to 'find a way' | cricket.com.au
    confidence 95%
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