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The Rugby League World Cup finals are just around the corner with Australia, England (men’s) and New Zealand (women’s) all qualifying for the big dance to be held next weekend in Brisbane.
The Kangaroos proved too good in a dominant performance against Fiji while England held off a Tongan comeback, the match marred by controversy.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, New Zealand put on a second half masterclass as they moved past England before the Jillaroos justified their tournament favouritism against Canada.
Holmes hits Fiji for six as Kangaroos move through to final
Australia dominated Fiji in Brisbane on Friday night, booking their place in the Rugby League World Cup final with a 54-6 win.
The Kangaroos are now just one win away from defending their title as they set their sights on becoming the first nation to win a World Cup on home soil since the 1977 Australian team.
Valentine Holmes was the star of the show scoring six tries on the wing, breaking his own record which he set last week against Samoa with five.
The Australians put in a clinical display proving why they are the No.1 rugby league nation in the world. The green and gold remain the only undefeated team in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup but could be without a number of players with Aaron Woods, David Klemmer and Josh McGuire both racing the clock to be fit.
Were Tonga robbed against England?
England have overcome a late Tongan comeback in controversial circumstances during their 20-18 win in Auckland, booking their first World Cup final in 22 years.
Playing in front of 30,003 fans at Mt Smart Stadium, England were strong from the opening moments with Jermaine McGillvary and Gareth Widdop both scoring inside the first quarter.
Tonga struggled to get into the match with England holding a 20-0 lead with under ten minutes remaining however Mate Ma’a finally struck through Tevita Pangai Junior in the 73rd minute.
Powered on by big forwards Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita and Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Tonga scored a further two tries to Siliva Havili and Tuimoala Lolohea to close the gap to only two points however it wasn’t enough as England’s defence held up to secure victory.
The last play of the match has come under scrutiny after the ball came loose from Andrew Fifita, the big man regathering and finding the chalk. Head referee Matt Cecchin decided not to review the contentious decision despite appeals from the Tongan team.
Did Andrew Fifita knock-on or was the ball raked out by Kevin Brown? My verdict: Andrew Fifita made a loose carry – no try.
Cecchin made the correct decision and should not be sacked. Yes it should have been sent to the video review official but it wouldn’t have been awarded. England won fair and square.
(NRLPhotos/Grant Trouville)
Clinical Kiwi Ferns dominate England while Jillaroos prove too good for Canada
New Zealand and Australia have booked their place in the final after dominating their opposition.
It was a close affair between New Zealand and England in the opening half, the Lionesses only 14-4 down at the break however the Kiwi Ferns showed their might with an outstanding second half display.
Lilieta Maumau and Teuila Fotu-Moala both led the New Zealand forward pack bringing up over 200 metres each while Krystal Murray and Hilda Peters proved just as dominant. Nita Maynard and Kimiora Nati combined well to give Honey Hireme a three-try haul, firing a warning shot to archrivals Australia during their 52-4 victory.
New Zealand’s spirit was matched by the Jillaroos in their demolition of Canada 58-6. Australia’s effort was led by Ali Brigginshaw, the five-eighth scoring two tries and setting up another. Steph Hancock, Karina Brown and Isabelle Kelly also enjoyed doubles while Ruan Sims scored one, leading up the middle of the park with a tally of 140 metres.
From the rise of the Papua New Guinea Orchids to the Cook Islands’ upset win over England, there have been plenty of positives to come out of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup. And now we are set for a showdown between Australia and New Zealand to determine just who is the best in the world.
Who should win the Golden Boot?
The RLIF have announced the shortlist for the 2017 Golden Boot with Jermaine McGillvary (England), Cameron Smith (Australia), Jason Taumalolo (Tonga) and Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji) all named.
History could be made in 2017 as if Taumalolo or Vunivalu win, it would be the first time a player from outside the big three nations has won. Furthermore, should McGillvary or Vunivalu win they would become the first winger in history to be crowned. Among the list only Cameron Smith (2007) has won in the past.
Suliasi Vunivalu of Fiji
So who deserves the Golden Boot? Each has a case to make.
Jermaine McGillvary (England, Huddersfield Giants) – After a sensational Rugby League World Cup with England, McGillvary has made himself known to the public. The Huddersfield star has six tries to his name so far at the Rugby League World Cup after bagging 19 meat pies for the claret and gold. He has now attracted plenty of interest from NRL clubs and is also being courted from Super League rival Warrington.
Cameron Smith (Australia, Melbourne Storm) – He has done it all captaining the Melbourne Storm to a premiership in the NRL, leading the Queensland Maroons to a 2-1 State of Origin series victory and steering the Kangaroos to the World Cup final.
Jason Taumalolo (Tonga, North Queensland Cowboys) – The greatest forward in the world, Taumalolo has turned international rugby league on its head by defecting to Tonga helping propel the small island nation to the semifinals. He smashed records in 2017 breaking the 5000 metre mark in the NRL as the Cowboys qualified for the NRL grand final from eighth position.
Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji, Melbourne Storm) – Vunivalu has been smashing records on the wing for both the Melbourne Storm and Fiji Bati. He scored an impressive 23 tries in the Storm’s premiership victory while also crossing the line nine times for Fiji during the World Cup.
Who gets my vote? I don’t think you could go wrong with Taumalolo.
(NRLPhotos/Scott Davis)
Team of the week
1. Gareth Widdop (England) – Exceptional at the back, Widdop scored a try and set up two more to cement his place during England’s win over Tonga.
2. Jermaine McGillvary (England) – The Huddersfield winger continued his impressive tournament with a try, almost reaching the 200 metre mark.
3. John Bateman (England) – Solid at three-quarter, Bateman scored a try and was composed on defence.
4. Josh Dugan (Australia) – Despite seeing limited minutes, Dugan formed a great partnership on the edge with Valentine Holmes.
5. Valentine Holmes (Australia) – Breaking his own Rugby League World Cup record, Valentine Holmes scored six tries against Fiji in a near-perfect display from the Sharks star.
6. Tuimoala Lolohea (Tonga) – Lolohea made some game breaking advances scoring a try in Tonga’s late charge against England.
7. Cooper Cronk (Australia) – Displaying composure and setting up tries with the boot, Cronk led from the front for the Kangaroos.
8. Andrew Fifita (Tonga) – Fifita was at his explosive best running for 131 metres, making 34 tackles and very nearly scoring a try on the siren.
9. Siliva Havili (Tonga) – Havili was promising out of acting half scoring a try and proving to be a workhorse on defence.
10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Tonga) – Taukeiaho was massive with 178 metres gained as well as 23 tackles, he was instrumental in keeping Mate Ma’a within striking distance of England.
11. Manu Ma’u (Tonga) – Ma’u put in another workhorse display over 80 minutes running for 152 metres and making 37 tackles.
12. Elliott Whitehead (England) – With a try assist and 146 running metres, Whitehead was lethal in attack while his defensive workrate of 32 tackles stood out.
13. Jason Taumalolo (Tonga) – The Tongan giant put in another exceptional performance with 222 metres gained from 18 hit-ups as well as 23 tackles and a try assist.
14. Michael Morgan (Australia) – Great at stand-off for the Kangaroos setting up two tries and providing a spark for the Australian attack.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
15. Matt Gillett (Australia) – Gillett was great on the edge putting in a spirited display breaking the line on two occasions.
16. Sam Burgess (England) – Forming the heart of the England pack, Burgess played for 73 minutes making 165 metres and 26 tackles.
17. James Graham (England) – Graham played with his heart on his sleeve, running for 117 metres and making 33 tackles.
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