Australia (24) 32
Tries: Martin 2, Bostock 2, Best, Trbojevic Goals: Munster 4
New Zealand (6) 12
Tries: McLean, Papali’i Goals: Isaako 2
Same old story. Having started the Rugby League World Cup in unconvincing fashion, Australia once again showed why they are masters of peaking for the big occasion as they defeated New Zealand 32-12 to be crowned champions for a fourth consecutive occasion.
And this was never really close as the green and gold juggernaut pressed repeat on what has become a familiar pattern – and a depressing one for all those that have attempted to stop them since the Kiwis triumphed in Brisbane in the 2008 showpiece.
Despite being outplayed and outmuscled by Stacey Jones’ side in an epic opening to this tournament on 15 October, Australia still edged to a 24-22 victory.
And five weeks on from that pulsating contest – perhaps stung by some observers questioning their credentials – Kevin Walters’ team delivered conclusive proof that they remain the remain the benchmark for all others to aspire to.
They were simply untouchable in the first-half, with a demonstration of power and quality that carried them into a 24-6 advantage at the break and a long way towards victory – their 23rd successive win in World Cup matches since that loss 18 years ago.
Back on the ground where New Zealand delivered one of the most seismic shocks the international game has ever seen, there was never a moment where history threatened to repeat itself in front of a sell-out 52,500 crowd.
Jones’ team admittedly played a part in their own downfall.
Jamayne Isaako’s error from the kick-off set the tone and Australia ruthlessly punished it with Liam Martin bundling over to score from their first attack with just 84 seconds on the clock.
While a converted try from the youngest player on the pitch, Casey McLean, briefly brought New Zealand level it was all they had to show from a disappointing first 40 minutes, when they repeatedly gifted Australia possession and field position.
Quick thinking from Reece Walsh and Bradman Best laid on an eighth try of the tournament for Jack Bostock.
Bostock, who was recovering from knee reconstruction surgery this time 12 months ago, has been a revelation out wide for Australia.
The 23-year-old Dolphins winger has excelled in defence and attack under the aerial ball and married it to a penchant for regularly contributing with key tries at the other end of the pitch.
Best then scored and Martin also crossed for his second try to lay further foundations for Australia success before the half-time whistle.
When New Zealand hooker Erin Clark lost the ball in a tackle with the second period just 36 seconds old, Australia inevitably piled on more points.
Kangaroos full-back Walsh, perhaps with his own personal score to settle after Kalyn Ponga was named the Golden Boot winner eon Thursday, was instrumental.
Walsh’s wonderful footwork on the right edge left two opponents floundering before he acrobatically offloaded for Tom Trbojevic to score in the right corner.
Much had been made in the build-up to this encounter of the importance of his mouth-watering match-up with his opposite number. But when Ponga threw a wayward pass into touch minutes later when well placed, it left little doubt as to whom had been able to exert more influence on the outcome.
To their credit, New Zealand kept fighting, and Isaiah Papali’i went over for try their efforts deserved.
However, it proved nothing more than a brief consolation with Bostock diving in for his second try – with the party already under way in the stands behind him – to celebrate Australia’s record-extending 13th World Cup success.