Australia survive a scare as New Zealand light fuse on Rugby League World Cup

Pool A: Kangaroos 24-22 Kiwis

Jack Bostock scores three tries including match-winner in Sydney

Debutant Jack Bostock almost single-handedly stole the Rugby League World Cup opener, with three tries and one crucial try assist in a 24-22 victory over New Zealand that might generously be described as undeserved.

The Dolphins player wrestled a Cameron Munster kick away from Jamayne Isaako in the air with five minutes to go to complete his treble, putting his side in the match-winning lead. It was a carbon copy of his second try, as he proved damaging under the high ball. But it was his first four-pointer – a length of the field intercept midway through the opening half – that told the story of this extraordinary match.