Australia (26) 44

Tries: Dearden, Preston, Trbojevic, Walsh 3, Best, Bostock Goals: Munster 6

Samoa (2) 12

Tries: Crichton, Tago Goals: Crichton 2

Before kick-off, Samoa's ceremonial war dance - the Siva Tau - turned into an intense confrontation, with their players getting right into the faces of their Australian opponents, and a couple even going forehead to forehead.

It turned out to be the closest Samoa got to Australia all evening.

Australia dominated at Sydney Football Stadium, triumphing 44-12 to reach a 16th successive men's Rugby League World Cup final.

In a repeat of the previous World Cup final, a worked-up Samoa side lost their way with errors and ill-discipline, allowing Australia to run in eight tries, including a Reece Walsh hat-trick.

Australia - who have won the past three world titles in a row - will face New Zealand in Brisbane next Sunday, with kick-off at 08:35 GMT.

Samoa had taken the lead after three minutes when Stephen Crichton – whose golden-point drop goal beat England in…