Australia and New Zealand meet in Rugby League World Cup opener
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 15, 2026, 8:16 AM
Last updated Oct 15, 2026
Australia faces New Zealand in the opening match of the men's Rugby League World Cup at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The match is set to kick off at 8:05 PM AEDT. Both teams are favored to contend for the title, with Australia as the defending champions. New Zealand's side, potentially gaining momentum throughout the tournament, boasts a strong forward pack led by Stacey Jones. The match comes as a sell-out, signaling high interest in what is considered one of the most competitive World Cups in recent history.
- •Kick-off is scheduled for 8:05 PM AEDT.
- •The match is a sell-out at Allianz Stadium.
- •Australia starts as defending champions.
- •New Zealand's squad features key players like Kalyn Ponga.
- •This World Cup is touted as one of the most open in history.
- 8:16 AMThe Guardian Sport — Australia v New Zealand: men’s Rugby League World Cup – live
"Updates as the Kangaroos and Kiwis open the tournament in Sydney Kick-off time is 8.05pm AEDT/10.05pm NZDT/10.05am BST Any thoughts? Get in touch with an email Reassuringly for tournament organisers, tonight’s match is a sell-out, so Allianz Stadium should be in full voice. Tonight’s protagonists begin the tournament as favourites but Tonga and Samoa are packed with NRL talent and England have no shortage of quality. This is potentially the most open rugby league world cup in history. The Kiwis face the difficult task of the defending champions first up – but they look like a side who could grow into the tournament. Stacey Jones has arguably the best forward pack of the whole field, and with the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Jahrome Hughes causing chaos behind their middle unit, there is an argument that New Zealand could be favourites. Continue reading...
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