The big picture

Australia are 3–0 in Rugby League World Cup 2026, averaging 42 points for and 16.7 against.

New Zealand are 3–1 in Rugby League World Cup 2026, averaging 54 points for and 12.5 against.

Form

Australia have won three of their last three and most recently beat Cook Islands 66–6.

New Zealand have won three of their last four and most recently beat Tonga 34–10.

Australia arrive on a 3-game winning streak.

New Zealand arrive on a 3-game winning streak.

Head to head

These sides have met 1 time on our records since 2026: Australia 1, New Zealand 0.

Last time out (2026, Round 1), Australia won 24–22 at Allianz Stadium.

Players to watch

For Australia, watch Jack Bostock (203 run metres a game, 6 tries in 2026) and Reece Walsh (190 run metres a game, 2 tries in 2026).

For New Zealand, watch Kalyn Ponga (226 run metres a game, 2 tries in 2026) and Keano Kini (166.3 run metres a game, 3 tries in 2026).

What the numbers say

On the numbers this is too close to split.