With an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, Mal Meninga’s team took the crown from current holders New Zealand and regained the no.1 world ranking spot.

Leading 24-0 at the break courtesy of tries from Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin, the Kangaroos extended their lead shortly in to the second half thanks to Darius Boyd. Jordan Kahu managed two tries to spare New Zealand a total whitewash but their fate was sealed when both conversions were missed.