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Expect some upsets at this year's Rugby League World Cup

The Rugby League World Cup trophy at the Suncorp Stadium launch event, July 19, 2016. (Photo: Rugby League World Cup 2017, Scott Davis)
Expert
26th April, 2017
9

The 2017 Rugby League World Cup, being held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be the 15th running of the event.

The big three of Australia, New Zealand and England will once again start as favourites.

Since the tournament began in 1954 only Australia and England (incl. Great Britain) have won more than once, while the Kiwis made their breakthrough in 2008, beating the Australian hosts 34-20 in the final.

However, since 1975 it’s been all Australia. The Kangaroos have won seven of the last eight tournaments and confirmed their dominance at the top of the international rugby league world.

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» The full Rugby League World Cup draw

While the winner of the sport’s biggest tournament has often been seen as a foregone conclusion before it gets underway, times are beginning to change.

The 2017 edition will once again feature 14 teams, but given it was down to ten teams back in 2008, it’s clear to see the international game is on the rise. There is also a genuine battle behind the big three nations, and it wouldn’t be surprising so see a couple of upsets stemming from teams like Fiji, Samoa, France and Wales.

21 games will be played in the first three weeks followed by a three-week finals series. The teams will be divided into four groups. Group A and B will have four sides, while C and D will have three each.

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Australia, England and France headline Group A, with the top three sides going through to the quarter-finals. They are joined by Lebanon, while Group B features New Zealand who should, on paper, walk straight into the final stages with Samoa, Tonga and Scotland making up their group.

Group C featured Papua New Guinea (who get to play all their games in Port Moresby), Wales and Ireland while Group D sees Fiji, the United States of America and Italy do battle, with an inter-group match for each team to make up the shortfall of only having three teams.

Australia will go in as favourites, but if there’s anything for certain then it’s that the 2017 World Cup will feature a stronger challenge than ever before for the big three to hold their grip on the crown.

It has been announced for the 2017 World Cup that Isuzu have come on board as a major partner.

“We are delighted to welcome Isuzu as a major partner of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup,” Rugby League World Cup CEO Andrew Hill said.

“With the world’s best rugby league players contesting the sport’s marquee international event, it’s wonderful to have their support.”

The Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Melbourne on Friday October 27 with Australia hosting England. The final will be played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on December 2.

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To celebrate the launch of the limited edition Isuzu D-MAX X-RUNNER, we’re gearing up for The Rugby League World Cup.

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