Australia finish on the top of Pool A and will face the loser of the Tonga-Samoa clash in the World Cup semis after thrashing the Cook Islands 66-6. <\/p>\n
Reece Walsh was outstanding with five try assists while wingers Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic both recorded hat-tricks.<\/p>\n
MATCH CENTRE: Australia Kangaroos vs Cook Islands scores, videos, highlights<\/a><\/p>\n Watch Australia\u2019s Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | Don\u2019t miss the Summer of the Century. Get 50% off Kayo Premium for 6 months. Min cost $23 for 1 month. New & returning customers only. Offer ends 31 Oct 2026. Sign up today.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Walsh\u2019s performance will give coach Kevin Walters something major to think about when it comes to picking his fullback for next Sunday\u2019s knockout final in Sydney. <\/p>\n According to premiership winning halfback Luke Keary, it should be Walsh ahead of James Tedesco, who started in the win over Fiji.<\/p>\n Walsh meanwhile has been tremendous in his two games at fullback against the Kiwis and the Cook Islands.<\/p>\n Walsh stars in Aus win v Cook Islands | 03:10<\/p>\n \u201cI think Walsh. His two performances have been outstanding,\u201d Keary said on Channel 7 when asked who he thinks should wear the No. 1 next week.<\/p>\n \u201cI think this should be the team they go with next week.\u201d<\/p>\n Walsh picked up a knock to the leg late in the game and limped noticeably for a couple of minutes but he played out the full 80.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s ok. Just a knock… It feels good now,\u201d Walsh said post-game.<\/p>\n It was a shaky start for Australia. They scored first through Bostock but the Cook Islands would lead 6-4 after Rua Ngatikaura dived over from dummy-half.<\/p>\n Cook Islands take early lead v Aus | 00:28<\/p>\n While the Cook Islands were brave in the first half, Australia regained ascendency, leading 28-6 at the break.<\/p>\n The second half resembled a track meet as the Kangaroos were able to break through a brittle Cook Islands defence several times.<\/p>\n Australia put on six tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half before essentially shutting up shop late.<\/p>\n