Ponga scores wonder try as Australia beats New Zealand in World Cup opener

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 07:28 · Archive

Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in the Rugby League World Cup opener, with New Zealand's Kalyn Ponga scoring a sensational try.

Australia defeated New Zealand 24-22 in the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup, played at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The game was tightly contested throughout, reaching 16-16 at the 60-minute mark.

Kalyn Ponga, an Australian-born fullback who switched allegiance to New Zealand ahead of the tournament, scored a spectacular try from 45 metres out, weaving between defenders to put the Kiwis 22-16 in front. He ran the final 30 metres with his shorts partially down after slipping through a tackle, revealing pink underpants, but continued to the try line grinning.

Australia responded with tries from Reece Walsh at 69 minutes and Jack Bostock four minutes from time to secure victory 24-22. However, Ponga broke his arm during the match and is undergoing surgery. ABC News reports he will remain in camp with New Zealand, hoping to return to play if the team advances further in the tournament.

How it is being reported

• Surgery giving Kiwis hope of Ponga playing again in World CupAfter breaking his arm in New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup opener, superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga is undergoing surgery in a bid to play again in the tournament.ABC News Australia · 16 Oct, 06:57
• New Zealand cling to hope of Kalyn Ponga playing at World Cup despite broken armKiwis fullback sustained injury in second half in defeat to Kangaroos Ponga was a standout in his first Test since a switch of allegiance Kalyn Ponga will undergo surgery on his broken arm but will remain in camp with New Zealand not giving up on the superstar fullback playing again in the Rugby League World Cup. Ponga failed to finish his long-awaited Test debut for the Kiwis , departing in the 70th minute of the 24-22 loss after suffering the injury earlier in the second half. Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 16 Oct, 05:43
• Kalyn Ponga scores Rugby League World Cup wonder try despite shorts coming down to reveal pink underpantsAustralian-born Ponga scored a sensational try for New Zealand against the country of his birth, despite his underpants being on show, but the Kangaroos ultimately won a thriller 24-22 to kickstart a home World CupIndependent Sport · 15 Oct, 12:47

In this story: Kalyn Ponga · Australia · New Zealand · Reece Walsh · Jack Bostock · Sydney

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