Josh Addo-Carr stuns with 'ridiculous' act at Rugby League World Cup

Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr has recorded a special piece of history after an incredible moment in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Leeds.

The Aussies booked their spot in the final of the tournament with a gritty come-from-behind performance after edging the Kiwis 16-14 at Elland Road.

New Zealand were looking for a repeat of their performance in 2018 when they upset the odds with a 26-24 victory in Auckland to halt the Kangaroos' 13-game winning run and hand Mal Meninga his first defeat as coach.

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The first semi-final in Leeds was the first World Cup meeting between the trans-Tasman rivals since Australia triumphed 34-2 in the 2013 final at Old Trafford.

The Aussies went into the first semi as heavy favourites after steamrolling past all their opposition on the way to the tournament's last four.

However, it was New Zealand that got off to the perfect start after a brilliant piece of skill from Roosters superstar Joseph Manu to set up the opening try of the match.

Manu showed impressive determination to get to the ball first ahead of a packed crowd of players in front of the Kangaroos try line, after a bomb from five-eighth Dylan Brown.

The Roosters superstar climbed highest to take the catch before offloading to Jahrome Hughes in almost the same motion, with the New Zealand half diving over for the game's first try.

While that was impressive, Addo-Carr's response for Australia moments later was nothing short of astonishing as the Kangaroos winger equalled team-mate Valentine Holmes record of 12 tries at a Rugby League World Cup tournament.

Ben Hunt put up a bomb of his own towards the Bulldogs flyer's wing but the kick appeared to be under-hit as Addo-Carr raced through to try and get there before the New Zealand defence.

Kiwi opposite Jordan Rapana looked to be well positioned to take the bomb, but Addo-Carr came out of nowhere to snatch the ball from under his nose and score an incredible four-pointer for the Aussies.

The historic moment for the Kangaroos winger lit up social media, with fans left gobsmacked by the extraordinary speed shown by man known as the 'Foxx'.

New Zealand hit back for halftime lead

Nathan Cleary's kicking woes continued as the Aussie halfback missed the sideline conversion, with Rapana kicking a penalty to extend New Zealand's lead to four.

The Aussies hit the front when Holmes answered Addo-Carr with a try down the Kangaroos' other flank, before the Kiwis hit the front just before halftime after an inspired run by Ronaldo Mulitalo.

The Cronulla Sharks speedster burned the Aussies with his pace down the left wing, before putting Brown across the try line for a 14-10 lead at the half.

Cameron Murray levelled the score midway through the second half after catching the Kiwis napping on their try line.

The Aussies took a tap after being awarded a penalty from right in front of the posts, shifting the ball once to Murray, who put his head down and burrowed his way across the line.

Cleary made no mistake with the simple conversion from next to the posts as the Kangaroos went up 16-14 for their first lead of the match.

Australia withstood a late New Zealand barrage but the Kiwis were unable to crack the Kangaroos' defence during the frantic final moments in Leeds.

The winner of the other semi-final between England and Samoa will book a date with Australia in the World Cup final.

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