RLWC live updates: Kangaroos ‘shootout’ predicted in raging halves debate
Key Updates
Latest posts
Today’s schedule
New Zealand Kiwi Ferns 92 def. France 0
New Zealand Kiwis 82 def. Cook Islands 16
8:05pm | Australia Kangaroos v Fiji Bati
All times are in AEDT.
Robbo predicts a shootout
Tonight, Sam Walker and Tom Dearden partner together in the halves.
But come next week it’s likely one of them will be picked with Cameron Munster at six.
This game is an audition for that No.7 jersey. Trent Robinson predicts we could see all-out attack.
“I think it’s a shootout tonight. Knowing Kevvie he will love the way Sammy plays the game, they’re both Queenslanders,” he said on Seven.
“I think the best player tonight will accompany Munster.”
Luke Keary believes Tedesco at the back means you can play Sam Walker. If it’s Reece Walsh at the back, then it’s Tom Dearden to help straighten the attack.
WATCH: Kiwis highlights from win
WATCH: Te’o explains Kangaroos mindset
Walsh taken off the bench
Reece Walsh has been taken off the Kangaroos’ six-man bench with Harry Grant taking his spot.
This comes after Blayke Brailey was the sole hooker in the team originally but it’s clear he may need support and Grant comes in.
Tedesco will be the fullback.
Reece Walsh of Australia Getty Images
Kiwis get past the 80 mark
With a final try for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, the Kiwis have finished 82-16 winners against the Cook Islands.
That second half was an absolute bloodbath.
Next week the Kiwis play Fiji while the Cook Islands will be up against Australia. That could be 100+ to be honest.
Next up it’s Fiji and the Kangaroos in an hour.
Cook Islands denied a try but Kiwis penalised
Davvy Moale has been denied over the line but it’s not all bad news for the Cook Islands.
Jacob Laban has been penalised for a shoulder charge in the tackle after the Bunker’s review. He stays on the field though and didn’t appear to be put on report.
The lead is just getting bigger
The Kiwis have put this match beyond doubt.
The latest tryscorer is Casey McLean who managed to keep surging forward despite a big hit from Val Holmes.
McLean’s try means to score is now 60-16 after four-pointers to Stowers-Smith and Kodi Nikorima before that.
Tanner Stowers-Smith scores. Getty Images
The allusive Keano Kini does it again
Keano Kini might be small but he is STRONG.
The Kiwis fullback took the ball on the right and beat three defenders to step and muscle his way to the line.
He was too powerful but there was some rather feeble defence from the Cook Islands too.
We are back
The second half is underway in New Zealand.
It was a surprise to see Cook Islands bring up 16 points in the first half but a win would be a miracle.
Kiwis snag another two
The Kiwis have bagged another two tries late in the first half to take a commanding 34-16 lead into the break.
First, Tanner Stowers-Smith – the great-grandson of former Kiwis captain Pat Smith – crashes over on his New Zealand debut.
And then Casey McLean goes over in the 38th minute.
The Cook Islands were leading after Esom Ioka crossed for his hat-trick in the 19th minute. They’re now trailing by a considerable margin.
