Australia beat New Zealand in Rugby League World Cup opener

Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup in Sydney, the BBC and the Guardian reported. Debutant Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick of tries for Australia to secure the victory. More than 40,000 fans attended the game, which the BBC reported as the largest Test match crowd in Sydney for 50 years. [1][3][4]

New Zealand took an early lead following a try by Casey McLean, according to BBC News. The Guardian reported that Jack Bostock completed his three-try performance by wrestling a kick from Cameron Munster away from Jamayne Isaako with five minutes remaining. Bostock also provided one crucial try assist during the match. [1][3]

The game took place at Allianz Stadium with Adam Gee officiating as the referee, the Guardian reported. Australian head coach Kevin Walters guided the team through the comeback after New Zealand's forward pack dominated the early stages, according to BBC News. [1][4]