Australia progressed to next Saturday’s final at Old Trafford after edging an enthralling semi-final against New Zealand, their old foes, at Elland Road.
Mal Meninga’s side, bidding to retain the trophy they won when beating England 6-0 in Brisbane in the 2017 final, outscored the Kiwis by three tries to two in front of a 28,113-strong crowd.
Josh Addo-Carr, Valentine Holmes and Cameron Murray touched down for Australia, with Jahrome Hughes and Dylan Brown on the scoresheet for New Zealand. Australia await the winner of the second semi-final, between England and Samoa, which kicks off on Saturday at 2.30pm at the Emirates Stadium.
Australia have won eight of the past nine World Cups, with only New Zealand’s 2008 side breaking their domination, and will surely
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