Walsh sets up five tries as Kangaroos beat Cook Islands 66-6
Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic each scored hat-tricks as Australia moved towards a home World Cup semi-final.
Australia beat Cook Islands 66-6 in the Rugby League World Cup, with fullback Reece Walsh creating five tries and scoring another. The Kangaroos are now due to host a semi-final after following their win over Fiji with another victory.
Hat-tricks went to Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui crossed twice. Tom Dearden contributed two try assists as Kevin Walters’ team recovered from an uneven opening to produce a more assured performance.
Cameron Munster took over the goalkicking from Walsh before half-time. Walsh later struggled with cramp after what he described as a knock. He said reaching a World Cup semi-final was special and that the squad needed to continue improving, describing the players as contributing towards the same goal rather than competing for positions.
Captain Isaah Yeo said Australia had improved in the areas they had targeted, although there was still work to do. Elsewhere, New Zealand defeated Fiji 78-0.
