After failing to qualify for the 2008 tournament, Wales are determined to ensure their return to the Rugby League World Cup is a successful one.
Assured a spot in 2013, Iestyn Harris and his men will be planning to continue the great record that Welsh teams have at the RLWC, having reached the semi-finals in two of the past three tournaments.
Wales Dragons
RLIF World Ranking: 5
Best Result: Semi-Finalists (1995, 2000)
2008 Finish: Did not qualify
2013 RLWC Odds: $501
The Welsh national side has been competing in international rugby league since 1908. They defeated Albert Baskerville’s touring side, the New Zealand All Golds, in their first ever Test match that year.
Wales continued their winning ways throughout history, winning the European Cup numerous times and forging a great rivalry with the English. For the first half of the century at least, prior to the Great Britain side being formed.
The Dragons’ first appearance at the RLWC was in 1975, where they exceeded expectations by finishing third. They would not appear again at a World Cup until the home nations began competing individually in 1995.
Including the likes of Jonathan Davies and young up and comers Kieron Cunningham and Iestyn Harris, the Welsh would reach the semi-finals in 1995 only to be beaten by England – a side they had beaten earlier in the year to claim the European Cup.
In 2000, Wales again reached the knockout stages and defeated Papua New Guinea in the quarter-finals, setting up a clash against the Kangaroos.
Arguably the most memorable performance by a Welsh team this century, the Dragons were leading Australia 20-8 in the second half only to be run down and denied a chance to compete in the final.
Wales did not qualify for the 2008 World Cup, losing their qualification play-off to Scotland.
Iestyn Harris was one of the stars of the tournament in 1995 and 2000. In his current role as coach of the national side, he will be looking for his men to restore Welsh pride in this prestigious tournament.
Team Line-Up (likely)
1. Elliot Kear
2. Rob Massam
3. Rhys Williams
4. Christiaan Roets
5. Rhys Evans
6. Lloyd White
7. Matt Seamark
8. Craig Kopczak (c)
9. Neil Budworth
10. Jordan James
11. Tyson Frizzel
12. Rhodri Lloyd
13. Ben Flower
14. Gil Hudson
15. Ben Evans
16. Peter Lupton
17. Danny Jones
Squad Members: Ross Divorty, Jacob Emmitt, Daniel Fleming, James Guertjens, Larne Patrick, Anthony Walker, Ian Webster
The Dragons are predominantly made up of players who ply their trade in the European Super League.
Craig Kopczak will lead the side in the 2013 RLWC after a very successful season with the Huddersfield Giants. He forms an excellent front row partnership with Salford’s Jordan James and Wigan Warrior Gil Hudson.
The front row is definitely the strength of the team, complemented by a hardworking back row that includes NRL talent in St George Illawarra’s Tyson Frizzel.
The backline hasn’t had much exposure to big games and will rely heavily on Elliot Kear and Lloyd White.
Key Player
Wales will need 25-year-old five-eighth Lloyd White to be in sublime form for Wales to progress to the knockout stages of the RLWC.
With a strong forward pack building the platform, the Widnes Vikings No. 6 will need to create a fair chunk of the Dragons points.
With Harris as his coach, he certainly has a mentor who will provide the insight to help him find the way.
Fixtures and Opponents
Vs Italy @ Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Kick-Off – Sun 27th Oct 2:30am AEDT
Vs USA @ Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham. Kick-Off – Mon 4th Nov 1am AEDT
Vs Cook Islands @ The Gnoll, Neath. Kick-Off – Mon 11th Nov 1am AEDT
Key Match
The match against Italy at the Millennium Stadium is going to be a massive occasion, not only in the context of this tournament but for Welsh rugby league.
With a big crowd expected for the match, the Dragons can really boost the game’s profile with a victory in the opener.
If Wales can defeat Italy they may be halfway towards a quarter final berth, with their two other group fixtures against the USA and Cook Islands also at home.
RLWC 2013 Prospects
Iestyn Harris is expecting his men to continue the tremendous record that Welsh sides have in World Cups.
With all three games being played on home soil, I expect Wales to reach the quarter-finals in 2013. Both Italy and the USA have shown they won’t be easy beats, so the home crowd will need to lift the Dragons if they are to progress.
With only the top placed team going through from pool D, every game will be important for Wales if they are to ensure their return to the World Cup is a successful one.
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