Rugby League World Cup: Jack Bostock hat-trick inspires Australia to thrilling 24-22 victory over New Zealand in opener

Australia started the Rugby League World Cup with a stunning 24-22 victory over New Zealand at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

It was a breath-taking match that could go down as one of the greatest clashes between the two nations, with Jack Bostock's hat-trick proving decisive despite the Kiwis dominating for much of the contest.

The thrilling showdown drew the biggest crowd for a Test match in 50 years, surpassing the previous benchmark set in 1974.

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The result gives defending champions Australia the perfect start to their campaign, sending them straight to the top of Pool A.

The sides were locked at 10-10 at half-time after an enthralling opening 40 minutes.

New Zealand crossed through a Casey McLean try, converted by Jamayne Isaako, who also added two penalties to keep the Kiwis firmly in contention.

However, Australia hit back with two breakaway tries, as Bostock and Tom Trbojevic both raced over, with Reece Walsh adding the conversion to the latter's score.

The Kangaroos were forced to navigate a spell without Kotoni Staggs, who was sent to the sin bin for impeding Kodi Nikorima as he chased a kick with a try-scoring opportunity in sight.

The second half saw Kalyn Ponga produce moments of brilliance for the Kiwis, crossing for two tries before being forced off with an arm injury - but Australia refused to buckle.

Walsh produced a brilliant burst of pace to race away for a try, before debutant Bostock rose highest on two occasions to complete his hat-trick.

It proved just enough for the Kangaroos to hold on and secure a thrilling two-point victory.

Kangaroos and Kiwis provide contest to remember

With an incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Stadium, international rugby league took centre stage and once the National Anthems and Haka were complete, the players did all the talking.

The Kiwis were on top from very early in the game and turned that into points through a stunning McLean effort in the corner. Ronaldo Mulitalo jumped highest to send out the pass for the centre's gravity-defying finish. With Isaako's conversion, New Zealand had a quick 6-0 lead.

Despite such dominance, Australia took their moments. The first came on the 20th minute when young Bostock intercepted Jerome Hughes' pass and raced all the way downfield to score on his debut to bring the Kangaroos within two points.

The first of Isaako's penalties then followed as star man Walsh sent a goal-line dropout attempt straight into touch. New Zealand led 8-4.

Just six minutes later, Australia pulled off a carbon copy of their opening try but on the other side of the field. This time, winger Trbejovic came up with the interception and used his pace to go the length of the field. Walsh converted to reinstate the two-point advantage.

The enthralling first half was not done there.

With just minutes left on the clock, Nikorima chased down the grubber kick in what looked like a try-scoring opportunity but he was impeded by Staggs. While not given as a penalty try, the Australian centre was sent to the sin bin and Isaako obliged with the boot to bring scores level at 10-10 with 40 still to play.

Five minutes into the second half, New Zealand punished that sin bin further, they continuously shifted out to the left and when the massive overlap emerged from a tap and go, Ponga had all the space to go over for his first try and with Isaako's conversion, they led 16-10.

A huge error from Trbejovic was the next big moment of the game and New Zealand thought Mulitalo had scored off the back of it as he knocked on and the Kiwis went over through Mulitalo. However, Isaiah Papali'i was judged offside in the build-up.

That saw the momentum swing and just a set later, Bostock jumped highest in the corner to go over for his second in a stunning display of athleticism. Walsh converted and with just over 20 minutes remaining, the scores were level once again.

While that swing could have had New Zealand on the back foot, some more Ponga brilliance saw them take a 22-16 lead. He sliced through the defensive line, put on an audacious step past Walsh, and dived over despite his shorts being pulled halfway down for half of his run.

Just as one exhilarating player made his mark, it was then the turn of the other fullback in Walsh. On around halfway, he came up with a right footstep to gallop away to the corner.

In more drama, Walsh, who had been goal kicking throughout the match, could not complete the conversion after being sick on the sideline. That meant Latrell Mitchell had to step up but sent it just wide.

With Ponga forced from the field with what looked like an arm injury, New Zealand had 10 minutes left to try and pull off an almighty win. Australia would not give up, though, and in the 76th minute, Bostock climbed highest once again to complete his hat-trick and give his country the lead.

Walsh, back on kicking duties, could not convert but that did not matter as Australia scrambled hard for the final few minutes to secure a statement win.

Australia have been world champions since the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and look like they are on the path to try and make it four World Cups in a row.

Bostock: Everything I've ever dreamed of

Australia debutant and hat-trick hero, Jack Bostock:

"I can't put it into words. That was everything I've ever dreamed of putting this green and gold jersey on.

"Munster has done it so many times in World Cups and he kicked it really well - so I thought I may as well come down with it!"

Fisher-Harris: Credit to Australia

New Zealand captain James Fisher-Harris:

"That's Test footy. For the full 80 we were battling. Much respect to Australia - a few moments went their way.

"Hopefully we see them down the track."