Kiwis rout Cook Islands 82-16 in Rugby League World Cup
New Zealand defeated Cook Islands 82-16 after Cook Islands' early spark faded in Christchurch.
New Zealand beat Cook Islands 82-16 in a Rugby League World Cup match in Christchurch on Sunday. Cook Islands winger Esom Ioka made a stunning early impact, scoring a hat-trick in the opening eight minutes.
Ioka's brilliance put Cook Islands briefly ahead at 16-12, silencing the home crowd. The Kiwis then regrouped and dominated, scoring 70 straight points to run out comfortable winners.
New Zealand added eight tries in the second half, with three coming in the final six minutes. The victory sets up a group-stage match against Fiji, with a semi-final place on the line.
- 82-16
- Final score
- First 8 minutes
- Ioka hat-trick time
- 16-12
- Cook Islands peak lead
- 8 tries
- Kiwis second-half tries
Why it mattersThis dominant victory advances New Zealand toward the World Cup semi-finals with a crucial Fiji match next.
AustraliaWhile not directly affecting Australia, this match will be watched by Australian rugby league fans throughout the World Cup.
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