Australia survive almighty Fiji scare to stay unbeaten at Rugby League World Cup

• Tom Trbojevic scores hat-trick in Kangaroos’ unconvincing 36-22 win

• Semi Valemei also scores three as Fiji run in four tries in Brisbane

The naysayers have questioned this increasingly provincial sport and its sometimes laughable and often one-sided, so-called World Cup. But against the favourites and hosts Australia, the Fiji Bati showed – from the tears on the players cheeks during their anthem, their wondrous pre-match hymn, right through 80 minutes of fearless effort in attack and defence – why this tournament is worth persisting with.

The inspiring Fijians appeared to have answers to every criticism, a response to every question, except three. The quality on the Australian bench, the class of James Tedesco and the finishing of triple try-scorer Tom Trbojevic finally took down the likeable underdogs, in front of a healthy Sunday night crowd in Brisbane and no doubt millions watching on prime time television.

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