Australia will play New Zealand in next weekend’s World Cup final after thrashing Samoa 44-12 in Sydney.
Reece Walsh scored a sensational hat-trick and performed a backflip celebration as he captivated the Aussie fans with a statement performance.
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The Kangaroos ran in eight tries as Tom Dearden, Jacob Preston, Tom Trbojevic, Brandon Best and Jack Bostock all scored in a brilliant display.
But there were some ugly scenes pre-game when whistles and shouting could be heard inside the stadium during a moment’s silence for footy legend Paul Langmack.
Australia are now just one game away from a fourth World Cup in a row — a perfect record they have upheld since losing to New Zealand in the 2008 final.
They have also reached each of the last 16 finals — winning 12.
It sets up a rematch with the Kiwis after the trans-Tasman rivals produced an all-time classic in the tournament opener that saw the Kangaroos strike late to win it.
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
Walsh and Kalyn Ponga put on a show in Sydney a few weeks ago and will light it up in Brisbane on Sunday night.
Ponga made his return from a broken arm for the Kiwis on Saturday and was fantastic, but Walsh was even better in the second semi.
The flashy fullback scored his first just after the half hour mark and celebrated the try with a slick flip before he borrowed the security guard’s seat to put on his boot.
Walsh was involved in everything and backed up a Cameron Munster break to complete his hat-trick, before his quick hands helped Bostock score in the corner.
PRE-GAME MAGIC
The standoff between Tonga and New Zealand on Saturday night was the entrée for an epic moment in the second semi-final.
Samoa traditionally stands on their side of halfway for the Siva Tau but they got in the faces of the Kangaroos in extraordinary pre-game scenes.
Jazz Tevaga didn’t break eye contact with the towering Bostock, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui would have been able to smell the hot chips and aioli that Brian To’o had for breakfast as they stood nose to nose.
It was the perfect way to fire up the 41,529 fans at Allianz Stadium which was the fifth largest crowd at the venue since it reopened.
Follow how Australia vs Samoa unfolded in real time via news.com.au’s live blog below.
Originally published as Australia vs Samoa: Spencer Leniu under fire for gesture, Walsh’s wild celebration