Walsh-inspired Australia crush irate Samoa to reach World Cup final

Tries: Walsh 3, Dearden, Preston, Trbojevic, Best, Bostock Goals: Munster 6

Tries: Crichton, Tago Goal: Crichton Penalty: Crichton

Before kick-off, Samoa's ceremonial war dance - the Siva Tau - turned into an intense face-off, with their players going right into the faces of their Australian opponents, and a couple even going forehead to forehead.

It turned out to be the closest Samoa got to Australia all evening.

Australia dominated at Sydney Football Stadium, triumphing 44-12 to reach a 16th successive men's Rugby League World Cup final.

In a repeat of the previous World Cup final, a worked-up Samoa side lost their way with errors and ill-discipline, allowing Australia to run in eight tries, including a Reece Walsh hat-trick.