RLWC recap: Kangaroos debutant saves the day in epic World Cup opener
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FINAL SCORE
Australia 24 defeat New Zealand 22
Goodnight!
Thank you for joining us for the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup.
See you next time!
Coach, skipper send message to Ponga
Stacey Jones has revealed some more details about Kalyn Ponga’s injury.
“Kalyn, we are not too sure yet. It is a possible fracture of the arm,” he told reporters in his post-game press conference.
“We are not going to make a call on him right now about where he is at, but he had a pretty good game. It is a tough one.”
Jones admits he knew within a couple of minutes how severe his injury was.
“He had to come off,” Jones continued.
“He couldn’t catch a ball or anything. He was in a lot of discomfort.”
James Fisher-Harris added: “He’s a tough bugger.
“He’s got a lot of pride in the black and white jersey and doesn’t want to let his teammates down.
“I thought he did an outstanding job, just a freakish, tough player.
“I am feeling for him right now, but fingers crossed he’s not too bad.”
Next fixtures for the RLWC
The tournament opener has come to a close, but we are just getting started!
Here are the first round fixtures that will take place over the coming days.
Friday
1.00pm | Ireland v USA (wheelchair) at WIN Entertainment Centre
3.30pm | England v Wales (wheelchair) at WIN Entertainment Centre
5.45pm | Samoa v France at Commbank Stadium
8.05pm | Jillaroos v Samoa at 8.05pm at Commbank Stadium
Saturday
1.15pm | PNG women v France at Santos National Football Stadium
3.00pm | France v Scotland (wheelchair) at WIN Entertainment Centre
3.25pm | PNG v Lebanon at Santos National Football Stadium
5.30pm | Australia v Kiwis (wheelchair) at WIN Entertainment Centre
5.35pm | England women v Wales at HBF Park
8.05pm | England men v Tonga at HBF Park
Sunday
1.50pm | Kiwi Ferns v Fiji women at McDonald Jones Stadium
4.05pm | Fiji v Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium
Injury updates for Ponga, Moses
Seven and Newscorp rugby league reporter David Riccio has provided an update on Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Moses.
From the Australian camp, there are fears that Moses’ injury could be a little worse than first thought, with the team set to send him for scans on his leg to see if he has torn his calf or not.
However, the team is also worried there could be a hairline fracture in his leg.
Moses reacts after hurting his calf. Getty Images
As for Ponga, it is clear his tournament has likely ended due to a suspected broken arm. His absence paves way for Keano Kini to don the No.1 jersey for the Kiwis.
“Stacey will have his opinion on what he wants from his fullback, but we did see how integral KP was tonight,” Ryan Papenhuyzen said on 7 post-game.
“If they want to keep their fullback as an attacking player, I think Keano Kini is great. If not, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is a good option.”
Aussies excited but aware of flaws
Australia’s players are elated to have got the win after such a fierce battle, but they are very aware of the flaws that they need to fix before their next game.
“It was good to come away with the win, it was a pretty scrappy game,” Tom Dearden told 7.
“I think we didn’t really help ourselves with the amount of footy we turned over ... there is plenty to work on which is exciting. We know where the ceiling is.
“It is important that we lean into the campaign over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed that gets us into a position to play some finals.”
Cameron Munster added: “When you’ve got guys like Reece Walsh and Jack Bostock ... you can expect everything from them. We are very fortunate for them.
“What a debut from Jack Bostock. He made me look good tonight.”
That winning feeling
Bostock and Mitchell embrace at full-time. Getty Images
Cotter and Grant could not stop smiling. Getty Images
Walsh put his name in the hat to earn player of the match honours. Getty Images
Walsh ‘grateful’ to wear the No.1
Reece Walsh has not played football since September, but gosh was he on fire tonight in the green and gold jersey.
He was all over the park in attack and produced a number of key moments to make sure that Australia would get the job done against the Kiwis.
The star fullback even at one point threw up on the sidelines – a moment which he admits he thought he could push through, but simply couldn’t avoid.
Speaking to 7 post-game, Walsh revealed his first skill session in two months was last Friday with his Australian teammates.
“I will take a lot out of tonight’s game,” he added.
“I am just really grateful to be here. Just because we got that win doesn’t mean our spots are certain.”
Aussie gun gets man of the match
Jack Bostock has shown he was made for international footy.
“It’s not that bad, is it?” he laughed, speaking on 7 post-match.
The debutant has been crowned the man of the match.
Jack Bostock celebrates with Latrell Mitchell. Getty Images
‘We fought to the death’: Kiwi captain
James Fisher-Harris has not let the scoreboard weigh him down post-match.
He only had a few words to share with the crowd but it summed up the game perfectly.
“It was a close game. Much respect to Australia,” James Fisher-Harris says post-match.
“A few moments went their way but we fought to the death, which I’m really proud of. Hopefully we see them down the track again.
“It was a good start. Only improvement from here.”
Full time: Australia win 24-22
Australia have done it! The Kangaroos have defeated the Kiwis 24-22.
It was a game that truly had a bit of everything. Kotoni Staggs was sent to the sin bin, Mitch Moses has a calf injury, Kalyn Ponga has a suspected broken arm.
The Kiwis well and truly outplayed Australia but key stars stood up and got the job done.
It is quite possible we will see these two nations face off again in this tournament – it could be an insane final if that is the case!
