Australia retains Rugby League World Cup title

MANCHESTER, AFP: Skipper James Tedesco scored two tries to help guide a clinical Australia side to their third consecutive Rugby League World Cup title with a comprehensive 30-10 victory over Samoa at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Final debutants Samoa, boasting a squad packed full of players with vast NRL experience, were in the game for large periods, but Australia -- an ever-present in every World Cup final since 1957 -- were clinical throughout, seizing with aplomb any opportunity that came their way.

First-half tries from Latrell Mitchell,Tedesco and Liam Martin, one converted by Nathan Cleary saw Australia go out to a 14-0 half-time lead.

Much to the delight of the partisan 67,502 crowd at Manchester United’s home ground, Samoa’s Brian To’o got one back for the Pacific Islanders, converted by Stephen Crichton, the centre also grabbing a try of his own.

But Tedesco and Mitchell both crossed for their second tries alongside a four-pointer for Cameron Murray to seal victory that was never in doubt.