Mitchell Moses has scored a clutch seven points in three minutes to give Lebanon their first Rugby League World Cup win with a 29-18 victory over France.
Lebanon played in the 2000 World Cup but wasn’t successful in any of their pool games back then.
on Sunday s0cores were level at 18-apiece with just seven minutes remaining at Canberra Stadium, when Moses broke the deadlock with a field goal set up by Robbie Farah.
The Parramatta NRL star then sealed the win with a piece of individual magic in the next set, chipping and chasing for himself to help Lebanon win their opening game of the tournament.
Travis Robinson added the icing on the cake with a try in the final minute.
Lebanon needed every bit of experience out of their NRL contingent after being pushed by a high-octane French side that pushed the boundaries in attack.
Their risky style resulted in Brad Fittler’s side dominating possession early, however France also managed to convert some of their chances into scoreboard pressure.
It wasn’t until Moses delivered in the final minutes that Lebanon were able to put France away.
Late Lebanon call-up Adam Doueihi appeared to have set up the win earlier in the second half when he plucked a Moses kick to give his team the lead in the 63rd minute.
However the French set up a thrilling final 10 minutes after halfback William Barthau nailed a tricky conversion of Damien Cardace’s 68th minute try to tie the scores again.
Lebanon took the ascendancy early when Farah and Moses combined to put fullback Anthony Layoun over for first points in the eighth minute, while Abbas Miski bombed a chance soon after.
France responded through a questionable Bastien Ader try in the 16th minute, when the video referee was unable to prove the winger was stopped in a strong tackle by Layoun.
Bartheau levelled with a penalty goal in the 20th minute.
The points appeared to have settled the French, however Cedars hooker Michael Lichaa set up a crucial try for Robinson with a line break in the final minute of the half.
France again hit back when winger Ilias Bergal soared to tap back a Barthau kick for Ader to nab his second soon after resumption.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
But rugby league IS alive and well in Lebanon. Just because the standard is not World Cup level (not withstanding the 5 players sent out) doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.
Nat
Roar Guru
League fans are enjoying the game. Having better quality players improves chances of success, therefore, interest in the home country. It is a positive and similar process in every other sport, Cricket, soccer, union, basketball and athletics to name just a few. You are the only one bleating about the crowds. Want a conversation talk about the topic - the game.
Jeffrey Dun
Roar Rookie
"Moses no doubt is a future NSW half ..." Speaking as a Queensland supporter, I do hope you are right.
Jeffrey Dun
Roar Rookie
"Gee maybe all national soccer teams will only be able to draw from eligible players in their local league?" That's not the point is it Terrence? If a national soccer teams was populated by players who were: (a) not born in the country they represent; and (b) never played soccer in the country they represent, would that not raise concerns about their legitimacy as a national team? For example, I'm sure the AFL could produce a Lebanon AFL team. And if it performed well in a AFL world cup, the AFL could congratulate themselves that AFL is alive and well in Lebanon.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Good for the Hungarians then. You may not have noticed but people ARE enjoying the World Cup for what it is, an international rugby league tournament with teams representing nations who play the code. If you are hung up over the open use of heritage players in order to even up the competition then fine. But you'll have to forgive league fans for not imagining that you're sniping... The USA, PNG, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Wales, England, France, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji teams might have something to say about it. The Scotland, Lebanon and Italy teams are the only ones to whom the heritage rules have been milked to their max. And even then, there is context.
Fred
Guest
Pillga you're not very subtle. In a strange kind of way I respect Andrew - he is open about hating league - and doesn't carry on with the charade that a couple of others do - 'I'm like totally a rugby league fan, but it's a joke'. lol.
pillga
Guest
just happen to be in Hungary during the last rugby world cup and the telecast for Argentina v Ireland was being broad cast in Hungarian by Hungarian at the game and they did not even have a team competing I'm on your side but can't stand the inferiority complex of league followers why cant we just enjoy the tournament for what it Which is sons of immigrants representing their parents and grandparents homeland
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
What are you expecting, that prime time media networks in countries where rugby league is a minor niche sport are going to send out TV crews to cover the event instead of tapping into existent media telecasts? Geez...
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Sorry, my bad. There were five players from the domestic league in the train-on squad: Imad Chidiac (Jounieh RLFC), Wael Harb, Raymond Sabat (Lycans FC), Ali Abou Arabi (Tripoli RLFC), Toufic el Hage (Wolves RLFC) Only Raymond Sabat made the final 24-man playing squad. However, the other four are touring with the squad for the experience. Hope that helps.
Fred
Guest
Lebanese is not a language. Most Lebanese are fluent in 3 languages, Arabic, French and English, which is 3 more than you. Why would you bring up Wallabies v Barbarians. That got a tv audience of less than 100k despite being on free to air AND fox. It was outrated by every single league game over the weekend, including PNG v Wales. Kind of embarrasing.
spruce moose
Guest
Who are the 5 Fred? On the rugby league world cup site, it lists just one!
pillga
Guest
Sleiman ratings are good in France or wales what about the USA oh yes of course is it even being broadcast in Ireland. how about Lebanon do they have their own broadcasting team out here so they can get the telecast in Lebanese Don't quote me Australian ratings or this just an Australian competition played by Australians for an Australian market? i will have to remind you about the poor crowds especially Aust v England Don't know what the crowd figures for that hardest to sell sporting code in australia but i fear it could have been the biggest crowd for the weekend Wallabies v Barbarians no one goes to this game any more but do they careless about going to watch international league?
Fred
Guest
There's 5 in the squad - can't they still be named in the team? I do get confused on this matter. Replacements for injured players doesn't seem to be black and white either, seems to be a matter of discretion. But even if the other 4 don't play a match, being out in Australia in the squad will be a great for them. They'll take a lot out of it.
Nick
Roar Guru
Fred, There's one.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Five players are touring with the squad though Fittler chose only one to be in the team. I'd have preferred the whole five of them to be in the squad but it's all good. Progress is incremental.
beepee
Guest
Yes indeed! Very entertaining, and of a decent standard. I've liked some of the free-flowing football in the World Cup so far, compared with the often restricted nature of NRL. Looking forward to week 2.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
- An international tournament is currently underway. - Cities have bid to actually host the games. - Television ratings are excellent. - Countries have pathways to compete at higher levels. - Pacific Island nations are now accounting for teams that caused them trouble in previous tournaments. - A second French team is on its way towards promotion to the Super League. - Fiji are pushing to enter a team in the NSW Cup. - Toronto were promoted to the second division. - Norway beat Sweden in a Test match But no, Lebanon defeating France is a disaster for international rugby league. If I could roll my eyes any further they'd fall out of my ears.
Fred
Guest
http://lebanonrl.com/
Fred
Guest
Maybe check this out! http://lebanonrl.com/
Fred
Guest
Don't forget, there ARE some domestic Lebanese players in the squad.