Reece Walsh delivered a commanding attacking performance as Australia secured a Rugby League World Cup victory over the Cook Islands in Townsville, but the Kangaroos’ latest display also exposed shortcomings they must address before the semi-finals.
Walsh scored once and created five tries, while also contributing to another as Australia eventually pulled clear after a competitive opening. His influence grew as the match progressed, despite the full-back dealing with ankle and shoulder concerns during the second half. The performance has intensified the selection debate around Australia’s number one shirt, with coach Kevin Walters now facing a choice between Walsh and the experienced James Tedesco for the next stage of the tournament.
Australia find another gear after the interval
The match was settled by a powerful burst immediately after half-time, when Australia produced six tries during the opening 20 minutes of the second period. That surge ended the Cook Islands’ realistic hopes of an upset and allowed the tournament favourites to finish with considerable attacking momentum.
Wingers Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock both scored hat-tricks, underlining the breadth of Australia’s threat on the edges. Harry Grant also crossed late in the contest after receiving an inside pass from Walsh, completing a move that reflected the improving understanding among Australia’s principal attacking players.
- Walsh finished with one try and five try assists.
- Trbojevic and Bostock each scored three times.
- Australia made 15 errors during the match.
- The Kangaroos have won all three of their matches in the tournament.
Errors keep questions alive
For all the quality in Australia’s second-half response, the contest was not an entirely convincing statement from the holders. The side’s 15 errors continued a pattern of inconsistency that has followed them through the competition. Their winning record remains intact, but the performance suggested that Australia are not yet operating at the level expected from one of the tournament’s leading teams.
The opening exchanges illustrated that uncertainty. Australia’s first kick was mishandled by winger Cameron Brown, giving the Cook Islands an opportunity to attack. The Kangaroos nevertheless turned the mistake into points during the following set, with Walsh drawing in right winger Esan Masters before floating a pass for Bostock to score in the corner.
Australia then allowed their opponents a route back into the game. Harry Grant became involved with Masters while attempting to chase a kick, leaving the Cook Islands with possession close to the Australian line. A dummy from hooker Rua Ngatikaura deceived defenders Pat Carrigan and Liam Martin, creating the opening for a converted Cook Islands try.
A demanding semi-final awaits
The Cook Islands remained competitive and were unfortunate not to add a second try during the closing stages. Their resistance ensured that Australia’s victory was not simply a procession, even after the six-try acceleration following the interval. It also highlighted the defensive concentration required if the Kangaroos are to avoid being punished by stronger opposition.
Australia’s attacking spine began to look more cohesive as the match developed, with Harry Grant, Tom Dearden, Cameron Munster and Walsh increasingly combining effectively. That progression will offer encouragement to Walters, but it leaves him with a difficult strategic decision. Tedesco’s experience and Walsh’s current creative form provide contrasting options at full-back, and the choice could shape Australia’s approach in the semi-final.
The Kangaroos will face either Samoa or Tonga next week. Both possibilities would represent a more searching test than the Cook Islands, particularly for an Australian side whose errors have repeatedly interrupted otherwise fluent passages. Walsh’s performance strengthened his claim to a central role, yet Australia’s wider display suggested that individual brilliance alone will not be enough as the tournament reaches its decisive phase.
