Jonathan Thurston’s master class shone through again in a man of the match performance Photo: NAPARAZZI
Australia’s Rugby League team became World Cup winners once again after crushing New Zealand 34-2 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday morning (AEST).
Billy Slater and Brett Morris scored two tries each while Jarryd Hayne stood out with his display of freakish skills. Captain Cameron Smith led the charge along with Paul Gallen and Matt Scott with their experience, but it was five-eighth Jonathan Thurston that was the stand out player who earned his fourth man-of-the-match performance of the tournament.
“It’s a dream come true,” Thurston said. “It’s been a long six weeks but to win a World Cup with your best mates, it doesn’t get any better.”
New Zealand’s world player of the year Sonny Bill Williams did his best to make an impact, but was kept relatively quiet by the Kangaroos defence. That defence finished the tournament without having conceded a try for almost seven hours straight.
The Kiwis suffered a huge blow only after seven minutes when in form winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck left with the same leg injury that had him in doubt during the week leading up to the game. Australia had their own injury scare when Hayne copped a heavy knock, but he was able to continue.
Billy Slater put his nightmare of the 2008 final behind him by opening the scoring in the 19th minute, before Cooper Cronk scored the Kangaroos second in the 31st minute. Slater then got his second try in the 41st minute to virtually make it safe for Australia. Brett Morris got his double with tries in the 52nd and 72nd minutes respectively to cap off a remarkable performance by the green and gold.
Jonathan Thurston’s boot converted all five tries and two penalties, while Shaun Johnson got New Zealand’s only points of the game through a converted penalty as early as the 15th minute.
That was Australia’s 10th World Cup win ever and was easily one of the best displays ever seen in a World Cup final.
Australia 34
New Zealand 2
Man of the match: Jonathan Thurston
Crowd: 74,468
