Australia edged Fiji 36-22 in a pulsating quarter-final in Brisbane to reach the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. Despite falling behind 16-12, a crucial 60-second turnaround saw Tom Trbojevic score twice to level the game, before he added a third and Jacob Preston sealed the win. Fiji's Solomone Saukuru had a try disallowed for obstruction during the momentum shift.
Kotoni Staggs opened the scoring for Australia, and Sam Walker debuted with 12 points. Coach Kevin Walters expressed concern over defensive vulnerabilities after his side were outmuscled by Fiji's pack. Meanwhile, New Zealand bounced back from their opening defeat with an emphatic 82-16 victory over the Cook Islands.
Jamayne Isaako set a record with 38 points, including three tries and 13 conversions, surpassing Tasesa Lavea's 2000 mark. The Kiwis recovered from a 12-0 deficit to lead 16-12 at one stage before taking control. Tanner Stowers-Smith, Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Casey McLean each scored twice.
New Zealand will face Fiji in a crucial pool match on 31 October.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing