Two-try James Tedesco led Australia to yet another World Cup success. The Kangaroos claimed a record-extending 12th title with a 30-10 victory over Samoa.
Captain Tedesco led the way in a brutally clinical performance from Mal Meninga’s side in front of a partisan crowd of 67,502, most of whom were desperate for the underdogs to somehow cause a shock. That was never likely but Samoa - who could feel aggrieved Aussie forward Angus Chrichton wasn’t red carded in the 47th minute - had their moments and it wasn’t as one-sided as many feared.
With the Kangaroos 14-0 ahead, Crichton was sin-binned for raising his elbow as Chanel Harris-Tavita came in to tackle him. In Super League, it probably would warrant a dismissal but the World Cup has been officiated slightly less stringently.
