Australia make statement with World Cup win

Australia triumphed at the World Cup following a final against New Zealand, who struggled to match their intensity. The victory marked a significant turn for the Kangaroos, whose number one, Walsh, had struggled with fitness during the tournament opener against the same opponents one month earlier.

Walsh admitted he had been racing to overcome an ankle injury after an eight-week absence from the sport. He stated, "I kept telling Kev [head coach Kevin Walters] it was sweet but I wasn't sweet." He added that he felt unfit during that initial match but felt supported by his teammates and coach throughout the competition.

The tournament saw Sydney Roosters full-back James Tedesco take a secondary role to Walsh. Following the final match, the 33-year-old announced his retirement from international competition, concluding a career that includes two World Cup wins and three NRL Premiership titles.

Head coach Kevin Walters explained that he brought the former Australia captain onto the pitch as a sign of respect for his career. Walters noted, "The reason James got on was because I respect him as a player and a person and what he has done for our game and as a former Australia captain."

New Zealand failed to produce a competitive performance in their first final appearance since 2013. Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones described the display as their "worst performance" and cited poor discipline and errors as the primary reasons for the defeat. Jones concluded, "Any time you get to a final and don't get the result it is always going to be a missed opportunity."