Australia vs New Zealand: Kick-off Time, Venue, TV Channel and Team News

The Rugby League World Cup is into the final four teams as we enter the semi-final stage and tonight’s semi-final sees one of the biggest rivalries in rugby league reunite.

The world’s number one ranked team former Wigan Warriors’ boss Michael Maguire’s New Zealand take on World Cup holders who consider themselves to be the best according to skipper James Tedesco.

These are the last two nations to lift the trophy with the Kiwis winning the final against Australia in 2008 prior to Australia avenging that defeat in 2013.

Adding spice to the rivalry, New Zealand are booked to be on a flight home on Saturday by tournament organisers due to logistic reasons which left them forced to predict the outcomes of games,

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.

Kick-off time and venue

The game kicks off at 19:30 at Elland Road in Leeds.

TV Channel

TV coverage starts at 19:00 on BBC Two.

Team News

Mal Meninga is set for a big call at halfback between Daly Cherry-Evans and Nathan Cleary. Ben Hunt is back in the side but may not start ahead of Harry Grant. Lindsey Collins misses out.

Australia
James TEDESCO
Daly CHERRY-EVANS
Ben HUNT
Valentine, HOLMES,
Jake TRBOJEVIC
Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD
Cameron MUNSTER
Josh ADDO-CARR
Jack WIGHTON
Cameron MURRAY
Patrick CARRIGAN
Nathan CLEARY
Reuben COTTER
Angus CRICHTON
Tino FA’ASUAMALEAUI
Harry GRANT
Liam MARTIN
Isaah YEO

New Zealand
For the Kiwis, they will be without Jared Waerea-Hargreaves through a hamstring injury but Dallin Watene-Zelezniak could play despite a hamstring problem of his own. Joseph Manu will start at fullback coming up against Sydney Roosters teammate and Australia skipper James Tedesco.

Joseph MANU
Ronaldo MULITALO
Peta HIKU
Jordan RAPANA
Dylan BROWN
Jahrome HUGHES
Jesse BROMWICH
Brandon SMITH
James FISHER-HARRIS
Isaiah PAPALI’l
Kenny BROMWICH
Joseph TAPINE
Kieran FORAN
Moses LEOTA
Nelson ASOFA-SOLOMONA
Briton NIKORA
Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK
Isaac LIU
Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD