Rugby League: Kangaroos edge Kiwis in World Cup classic
Australia's Kangaroos defeated the New Zealand Kiwis 24-22 in a highly competitive opening match of the Rugby League World Cup. The game featured multiple lead changes and a significant injury to Kalyn Ponga.
Why it matters
Major international sporting events drive significant cultural engagement and regional pride in the Pacific.
In one of the most stunning starts to a sporting tournament, the Kiwis and Kangaroos played out an absolute classic to kick off the Rugby League World Cup .
It was match chock full of barely believable moments, dramatic twists and turns, and superstars stepping up on the biggest stage, with Australia holding on for an enthralling 24-22 win.
Though unlikely to affect the Kiwis semi-final hopes, the loss may come at a different cost, with Kalyn Ponga forced from the field with a suspected broken arm.
It will take something special to top the tournament's opening try as the Kiwis struck first in sensational style.
With absolutely no room to move in the left hand corner, Casey McLean managed a miracle, finding the grass with his entire body forced over the touchline
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7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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