PNG to give Kangaroos a run for their money
Roar Guru By Alan Nicolea, 9 Nov 2008 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru & Live Blogger
- Tagged:
- AFL, Anthony Laffranchi, Darren Lockyer, Glenn Stewart, Kangaroos, North Melbourne Kangaroos, Papua New Guinea, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup
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Papua New Guinea are already out of World Cup contention, but try telling this team their final Super Group match against Australia is not the most important game in the history of rugby league in the island nation.
This is the Kumals’ litmus test to prove if they are really capable of cracking it in an NRL competition which is now keeping a close eye on the way league evolves in New Guinea.
The challenge that stands in front of them takes the form of a Kangaroos outfit that has won the last six World Cups, not to mention that they have already blown this version of it out of the water with their performances so far,
Not that New Guinea will be frightened of the task that lies ahead. It is something they will saviour for the rest of their history.
Why?
The enjoyment of playing against the world champions could bring massive dividends for New Guinea, if they live up to their end of the bargain and put on a good show.
They are under no pressure to do so, in any case. The Kumals have been granted a 50 point start courtesy of Tab Sportsbet against the Kangaroos, with many thinking Australia will reach triple figures against their opponents.
Despite the pessimistic chances of the Kumals beating their opposition, New Guinea will gain a significant advantage that both England and New Zealand could not call upon.
The Kumals will be playing a Kangaroos side that resembles the Prime Ministers XII, who they played five or so weeks ago.
Even though they lost that encounter, recent performances against Australia’s B team have been positive, considering most of the games have been competitive contests.
The Kumals deserve a cracking finale that will hopefully garner rugby league in their country the recognition it deserves.
November 9th 2008 @ 9:13am
stoffy said | November 9th 2008 @ 9:13am | Report comment
I’m not a real follow of rugby but i heard rumors of an Australian 100 point victory is on the cards?
November 9th 2008 @ 9:28am
alan nicolea said | November 9th 2008 @ 9:28am | Report comment
Stoffy
Indeed some have gambled on the possibilities of australia reaching 100 points against the kumals. I don’t think it will happen though. If the Kumals win, i think they overtake england and qualify for the quarterfinals!!!
November 9th 2008 @ 9:59am
Stoffy said | November 9th 2008 @ 9:59am | Report comment
At least there will be some sense of urgency in the PNG team, from what i’ve seen of Australia, they are totally in control of the stoppages and have tactically outclassed their opponents.
November 9th 2008 @ 10:49am
alan nicolea said | November 9th 2008 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Stoffy
That’s why they have won the last six world cups i guess. Its not their fault they are far superior than the other teams. But on their day though, New Zealand are the only ones capable of worrying them.
November 9th 2008 @ 9:34pm
westy said | November 9th 2008 @ 9:34pm | Report comment
I turned the Kangaroos v England off five minutes into the second half. I did not do so against the PNG team. It would be an insult to their integrity and effort and their nation. They lost 46 to 6 yet kept on coming and their defence was torrid. They are the real deal. They give their all for their country no matter what the score.They deserved to be watched.
November 10th 2008 @ 7:44am
oikee said | November 10th 2008 @ 7:44am | Report comment
This PNG team are a very young squad, we should see improvement over the next 5 years. Great effort. The good thing to come out of this would be that they will not be placed in the super group again. Hopefully. Also have to mention that i think they have acheived what they set out to acheive, getting a team closer to making it into the NRL. Mission accomplished.
November 10th 2008 @ 8:13am
Alan Nicolea said | November 10th 2008 @ 8:13am | Report comment
Oikee
Indeed it has been a wonderful three weeks for New Guinea at this world cup. The only downer for me was their performance against the Kiwis. Regardless, Adriam Lam is a great coach and should stay for the long haul. Things are heading north pretty quickly for the Kumals.
Westy
They do deserve to be watched and respected for that matter. In a few years, when they develop class players and mix it with their attitude on the field, New Guinea will have a very competitive side that will have bigger dreams than the ones accomplished in 2008.