David Williams scored three tries on debut as Australia thrashed Papua New Guinea 46-6 yesterday to finish off the group stage of the rugby league World Cup with another dominating win.
The Australians, who beat New Zealand 30-6 and England 52-4, were again a class above the opposition, advancing untroubled to a semi-final against either Ireland or Fiji.
The Kiwis, who rallied to beat England 36-24 with five unanswered tries on Saturday, will go into a rematch with the English in next weekend’s semi-finals with added confidence.
But Australia remain hot favorites to win the cup.
The Kangaroos led 22-0 at halftime after 22-year-old winger Williams and center Joel Monaghan each scored twice in the opening 40 minutes.
Replacement back Scott Prince crossed twice after the break, including one off an intercept, to give the hosts a 34-0 lead in the 55th minute, putting the match beyond doubt.
It was a vast improvement for the Kumuls, who lost by 82 points in their last World Cup match against Australia and were in the toughest group of the tournament.
Papua New Guinea center Menzie Yere swooped on a Rod Griffin grubber kick in the 73rd minute to score a consolation try.
In the earlier match, Samoa thrashed France 42-10 in the playoff for 9th and 10th places.
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