ROCHDALE – The Rugby League World Cup is essentially two tournaments, held back to back. There’s the groups, which can be a glorified training run for the big nations, and then the knockouts, which is where the tough get going.
The best stories of the first three weeks have been the underdogs – the Greeks and Jamaicans on debut, the spectacular tries and the big hits from unexpected places. Now, though, it’s time for the proper footy to begin.
“This is when the best teams in the world really start to click into gear, with the prospect of lifting the Paul Barrière Trophy, getting ever closer,” said tournament CEO Jon Dutton.
“The stakes are high and across the weekend we will witness unscripted drama, athleticism, skill and cultures both colliding and uniting.”
He’s not wrong. Let’s run the rule over them.
Friday November 4
Australia v Lebanon at Kirklees Stadium, Huddersfield, 7.30pm (6.30am Saturday AEDT)
Australia have had tougher runs in training than their games with Fiji, Italy and Scotland – but that will all change on Friday night, local time, in Huddersfield.
Lebanon are perhaps the surprise package of the tournament, with an eye-catching style crafted by rugby union coach Michael Cheika. He’s midway through the busiest week of his life, with his day job, the Argentina Pumas, set to face England at Twickenham less than 24 hours after his passion project, the Cedars, take on his birth nation, Australia. If that’s confusing, imagine what his week is going to be like.
Mal Meninga is yet to pick a team – there’s a bit of a drama about it, dontcha know – but whatever combination he goes for, they’ll likely be too good for Lebanon. Expect fireworks, though, from the unpredictable Lebanese.
Saturday November 5
England v Papua New Guinea at DW Stadium, Wigan, 2.30pm (1.30am Sunday AEDT)
The hosts have been red hot so far. They disposed of an underdone Samoa, battled through a resilient France and then tore new boys Greece to pieces. Everything that could go right, largely, has. Their only cloud is an injury to lock Victor Radley. He might miss this week.
The PNG Kumuls are everyone’s second favourite team. If you don’t like them, rugby league might not be for you. There’s the story, of course, of the way that the nation stops to watch their games, and the images of hundreds of fans crowded around the one TV set.
But then there’s the other part, where they actually play. They’re a great side to watch, with supreme physicality allied to an adventurous style of play. They won’t die wondering in Wigan.
New Zealand v Fiji at MKM Stadium, Hull, 7.30pm (6.30am Sunday AEDT)
The Kiwis have warmed into the tournament. They are far from the finished article, but with a semi against Australia a distinct possibility should they get past Fiji, they’ll want to show signs of improvement here.
The first-choice spine of Joey Manu, Jahrome Hughes, Dylan Brown and Brandon Smith was together for the first time against Ireland last Friday and looked ominous. The forward pack, minus Jared Waerea-Hargreaves this week through suspension, is already one of the best.
The caveat is the Fijians. They’ve got form here: it was at this stage in 2017, away in Wellington, where they pulled off one of the all-time great upsets to dump New Zealand out and progress to a third successive semi. They go again in pursuit of greatness and glory in Hull.
Sunday November 6
Tonga v Samoa at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, 2.30pm (1.30am Monday AEDT)
Let’s be real here: this is what we all wanted. As much as Aussie punters thought England losing to Samoa in the first game would have been hilarious for the hosts, it would have robbed us of the all-Pacific clash in the quarters.
Happily, the rugby league gods have provided. Samoa have improved since their round one thrashing and put on a superb showing to dispose of France and qualify from the group. Brian To’o is making a claim for the best winger in the tournament. Jarome Luai is playing himself into form.
Their issue might be that, in the other corner, lie their greatest foe. Mate Ma’a Tonga struggled a little against PNG in their first outing, but when you have the depth of talent that they have at their disposal, you often get away with being below your best. Since then, they’ve only got better.
Set your alarm for this one Aussie time – or just leave your TV on, because when the two cultural performances hit five minutes before kick off, it’ll shake the world and wake you up anyway.
SEMI-FINALS
Friday, November 11 – winner of Australia/Lebanon v winner of New Zealand/Fiji at Elland Road, Leeds.
Saturday, November 12 – winner of England/PNG v winner of Tonga/Samoa at the Emirates Stadium, London.
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