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Wales, Ireland secure World Cup spots

Terry Campese's Italian squad have it all to do after losing to Wales. (Digital Image Grant Trouville © nrlphotos.com)
Roar Guru
30th October, 2016
3

Wales and Ireland have both booked their places in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Both sides came up with the goods over Italy and Russia respectively, the two nations now being left to battle for the final spot.

Wales come from behind in Monza
Wales have stormed home to secure their spot in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, earning a 20-14 victory over Italy in Monza.

The Azzurri raced ahead early on leading 14-10 at half-time courtesy of a double to Colin Wilkie and three goals to skipper Terry Campese.

It followed an early try to Ben Morris before Anthony Walker crashed over from the scrum base.

Andrew Gay blasted out of the sheds in the second half, grabbing a try to level proceedings before Morris drew his second try to give the Dragons automatic qualification.

It now means that Italy will be made to fight it out for the 14th and final spot in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Ireland thrash Russia in Bray
Ireland have come away with a massive 70-16 win over Russia at home to ensure qualification for the 2017 World Cup.

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The Wolfhounds ran in 13 tries against the Russians in a show of strength with Huddersfield Giants pair Scott Grix and Oliver Roberts scoring two tries apiece while domestic player Alan McMahon also earned a brace.

It places Ireland alongside fellow European qualifiers England, France, Scotland and Wales with the green-clad nation drawn in Pool C alongside Wales and Papua New Guinea, with an additional to be played against the final European qualifier.

The Mark Aston-coached outfit will play across three different cities with games in Cairns, Port Moresby and Perth.

Russia now face a tough task against Italy in Leigh as they look to qualify for the first time since 2000 where they were unable to get a win on the board in fixtures against Australia, England and Fiji.

You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew.

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