Australia and New Zealand Set for Rugby League World Cup Finals

New Zealand established its place in both Rugby League World Cup finals first. Its women defeated Samoa, while its men had to overcome Tonga to reach the decider.

Australia then had two opportunities to join them. The women's route ran through Fiji; the men faced Samoa in Sydney, with New Zealand waiting for the winner.

On November 6, the BBC followed New Zealand's women against Samoa. Stacey Waaka's try after 25 minutes extended New Zealand's lead to 8-0, an early marker on their way to a place in the final.

On November 7, New Zealand's men came from behind to beat Tonga 34-10, according to the Guardian. The result settled one side of the men's final, with Australia or Samoa still to come.

ABC Australia highlighted the power New Zealand needed to get past Tonga in Newcastle, alongside Kalyn Ponga's brilliance and toughness. The score was commanding, but the account described a demanding route through the semi-final.

By November 8, Australia's women had also booked their final place by beating Fiji. ABC Australia described a wounded Jillaroos side and credited Fiji Bulikula with extraordinary fight despite the defeat.

Australia's men completed the final pairing with a 44-12 victory over Samoa. BBC Sport reported that Reece Walsh scored a hat-trick, while Samoa were left angry about a series of refereeing calls.

Both finals are now Australia versus New Zealand. The women's pairing follows New Zealand's win over Samoa and Australia's victory against Fiji; the men's pairing follows wins over Tonga and Samoa respectively.

Australia's men are one victory from a record-extending 13th World Cup title, according to Sky Sports. New Zealand enter the final after overturning Tonga's lead, rather than simply protecting an early advantage.

The men's final is next Sunday in Brisbane, according to Sky Sports and the Sydney Morning Herald. Walsh's three tries and Ponga's influential semi-final performance give the finalists clear attacking threats to prepare for.

For Australia's women, fitness is a point to watch after ABC Australia described them as wounded following the Fiji match. The supplied coverage does not identify the injuries or confirm their implications for the final.