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.
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.
Johnno
Guest
Agree there.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
A festival of rugby league! I was quietly hoping that a mini-miracle would occur and that Serbia and Russia would qualify but with Serbia bowing out it is hard to see Russia troubling Italy.
Johnno
Guest
Good wins for both sides. Italy should still make it though. In 2021 as many RL fans know, it will move to a 16-team World cup. 4 groups of 4, top 2 advance from each group. With loose eligibility rules the "Big 3" won't get it all there own way. Scotland will have more guys at world cup as will other teams. As the current eligibility rules state, if you play in qualifiers you have to stick with that team for the world cup eg so a guy like Aiden Guerra will play for Italy next year if he misses out on aussie side etc. Next year will be most even world cup ever, thanks to loose eligibility rules. Andrew Fifita could play for NSW+Tonga if the aussies don't want him etc.