Australia regains World Cup, beats NZ 34-2

MANCHESTER: Australia reclaimed the Rugby League World Cup from New Zealand with 34-2 five-try romp on Saturday in the most one-sided final in the competition´s 59-year history.

Billy Slater and Brett Morris both crossed twice and Cooper Cronk added the other try as the Kangaroos produced a devastating performance to win the trophy for the 10th time in 14 editions.

"It is one of the best team performances I have ever been part of," said Australia captain Cameron Smith, who was sprayed with champagne by his jubilant teammates as he lifted the trophy to the backdrop of fireworks at Old Trafford.

New Zealand forward Sonny Bill Williams was bidding to become the first player to win World Cups in both rugby codes but a subdued performance by the world player of the year was summed up when his pass was intercepted in the lead-up to Australia´s final try, a length-of-the-field score finished off by Morris in the 72nd minute.

The Australians finished the tournament without having conceded a try in 404 minutes since their win over England in the opening match five weeks ago.

In their five games since then, they shipped only four points in five matches, scoring 244.(AP)