Walsh-inspired Australia crush irate Samoa to reach World Cup final

Reece Walsh scores a hat-trick as Australia reach the Men's Rugby League World Cup final by overwhelming a Samoa side left fuming by a series of refereeing calls against them.

Reece Walsh (left) celebrated his first try with a spectacular backflip in Sydney

Tries: Dearden, Preston, Trbojevic, Walsh 3, Best, Bostock Goals: Munster 6

Before kick-off, Samoa's ceremonial war dance - the Siva Tau - turned into an intense confrontation, with their players getting right into the faces of their Australian opponents, and a couple even going forehead to forehead.

It turned out to be the closest Samoa got to Australia all evening.

Australia dominated at Sydney Football Stadium, triumphing 44-12 to reach a 16th successive men's Rugby League World Cup final.

In a repeat of the previous World Cup final, a worked-up Samoa side lost their way with errors and ill-discipline, allowing Australia to run in eight tries, including a Reece Walsh hat-trick.

Source: BBC Sport