'That's Reece' - World Cup semi-final brings out best and worst of Walsh

On a fractious night in Sydney, it was no surprise to see Reece Walsh at the centre of the action – for better or worse. The full-back scored three of Australia's eight tries as they beat Samoa 44-12 to reach a 16th successive men's Rugby League World Cup final. His two second-half tries helped keep a burgeoning Samoa comeback at bay, while his first-half effort demonstrated his skill and showmanship.

On 32 minutes, Walsh administered the harshest of punishments on Samoa for the smallest amount of defensive laxity, racing through the tiniest gap on the left to score. It was the kind of celebration you expect from a man once christened by Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys as "the Justin Bieber of rugby league" and "charisma on steroids". But while thrilling the fans, it gives kittens to those in charge.

Walsh lost his boot during the flip; when sitting down to put it back on, TV commentators fretted he had injured himself.