The tournament picture has become a little bit clearer after the second week of the Rugby League World Cup with Australia, New Zealand and Tonga all confirming their place in the final eight.
The big three of Australia, New Zealand and England all enjoyed victories while the passion of Polynesia took centre stage in Hamilton. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea and Fiji both had wins and Italy kept their slim chances of a quarter-finals finish alive.
Samoa versus Tonga is better than Origin
Samoa and Tonga went to battle in international rugby league’s biggest rivalry with plenty of passion involved.
Fans of Toa Samoa and Mate Ma’a Tonga descended on the city of Hamilton, packing out the ground and providing a brilliant atmosphere. After a pre-game featuring a prayer between the two teams and a combined war cry, the fierce battle lived up to the hype.
(NRLPhotos)
Both forward packs made significant gains in the middle of the park with Tonga striking first through Michael Jennings. The match was locked in a stalemate with Mate Ma’a leading 14-6 at the break, the sea of red breaking through in the second term.
With Tonga eventually triumphing 32-18 to secure a quarter-finals berth, it highlighted the rivalry between the Pacific islands and its potential to become a mainstay on the rugby league calendar.
As the NRL holds a standalone weekend for State of Origin from next year, the opportunity for a test between Samoa and Tonga to be played in Auckland looms and form a major part of the rugby league season.
Race among big three remains wide open
Australia and New Zealand both posited impressive performances, dominating their opposition while England managed to string a win against Lebanon.
The Australians were pushed early on by France however the host nation proved their world No.1 status leading from the front to record a 52-6 victory.
Wade Graham inspired the green and gold after scoring four tries with Cameron Munster sparking the Australian attack as Jordan McLean, Josh McGuire provided plenty of go-forward.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the tricolours with Mark Kheirallah having a night to remember after scoring France’s lone try in scintillating fashion, going the length of the field.
New Zealand have suddenly transformed into a serious World Cup contender after an impressive 74-6 result against Scotland. It comes just under a year since the two sides drew 18-all at Workington during last year’s Four Nations tournament.
Te Maire Martin and Shaun Johnson showed plenty of composure in the halves with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck making game-breaking gains at the back. The New Zealand pack dominated in the middle of the park with Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Addin Fonua-Blake and Martin Taupau all putting in spirited performances.
Having recorded big wins in both of their matches, New Zealand go into next week’s match against Tonga in good spirits with plenty of confidence in camp.
England made their way into the winner’s circle against Lebanon winning 29-10 in Sydney. It wasn’t the greatest of performances for the Poms with the Cedars putting in a strong showing.
Lebanon were resilient with a strong defensive line that England struggled to crack despite holding the lion’s share of possession. Widdop and Gale failed to captivate any scintillating plays leaving the forward pack to run the show.
Wayne Bennett will be looking for a marked improvement next week against France as England look to confirm their place in the knockout stages.
Melanesian nations one step closer to finals berth
Both Papua New Guinea and Fiji proved too good for their northern hemisphere rivals taking a step closer to the knockout stages.
The Kumuls were on the back foot early on in Port Moresby as Ireland took control of the game early on however, as the home side got their share of possession they began to dominate turning the tables to lead 8-6 at half-time.
The game was held at a stalemate for much of the second half with errors leading to missed opportunities for both sides. The Kumuls got their lucky break late in the game to secure a 14-6 win and take a step closer to a spot on top of Group C.
The Bati were too strong for Wales, outclassing them 72-6.
They displayed plenty of spark in the backline and never gave the Welsh a chance dominating for the full 80 minutes.
Suliasi Vunivalu continued his form with a hat trick while Viliame Kikau was gigantic with a double in a gut busting performance.
Fiji have a mountain to climb though after James Tedesco guided Italy to a 46-0 win over the United States making Friday night’s clash in Canberra a do-or-die affair.
(NRL Photos / Scott Davis)
There is a need for neutral referees
While the Rugby League World Cup has demonstrated the significant advancements made in the game globally, refereeing has been a serious concern with a lack of neutral officiating.
If international rugby league is to be treated with the respect it deserves, games involving major nations such as Australia, New Zealand and England must be refereed by an independent party.
Instead of placing Henry Perenara in charge of New Zealand versus Scotland and Ben Thaler at the helm of England versus Lebanon, it makes logical sense to have an Englishman or Australian refereeing New Zealand and vice versa.
It is understandable in incidences such as Australia versus England whereby the only neutral referees available are Chris McMillan and Henry Perenara however for all other matches, there are enough match officials available to allow for neutral referees.
Team of the week
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand) – Running for over 200 metres, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a field day against Scotland. The Kiwis fullback was instrumental making three line breaks and four try assists.
2. Garry Lo (Papua New Guinea) – Lo was at his best for the Kumuls scoring a try and breaking the line on numerous occasions.
3. Michael Jennings (Tonga) – Jennings has cemented his claim as the tournament’s form centre with another two tries to lead the competition.
4. Josh Dugan (Australia) – Josh Dugan had another strong showing against France, scoring a try and running for over 100 metres in Australia’s 52-6 win.
5. Peta Hiku (New Zealand) – Hiku pulled together a hat trick of tries running for over 200 metres.
6. James Tedesco (Italy) – Shifting from fullback due to the absence of Campese, Tedesco made himself at home in the halves running for 216 metres and scoring two tries.
7. Ata Hingano (Tonga) – Hingano discovered new found creativity against Samoa, steering Tonga around the park with two try assists in their 32-18 victory.
8. Russell Packer (New Zealand) – Russell Packer had a field day against Scotland running for 173 metres and scoring a try.
9. Joey Tramontana (Italy) – The Bulldogs young gun was explosive for the Italians in their win over the United States, enjoying a double and providing plenty on defence with 34 tackles.
10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Tonga) – Taukeiaho made massive metres for Tonga with 272 metres from 24 hit-ups as well as 21 tackles in a gut-busting effort.
11. Wade Graham (Australia) – The backrower produced a massive performance with four tries and a great defensive display in just his second game for the green and gold.
12. Viliame Kikau (Fiji) – Kikau was enormous in an 80 minute performance that saw him run for 162 metres and pick up two tries. He led the Fijian pack from the front in their 72-6 demolition of Wales.
13. Leeson Ah Mau (Samoa) – Running for over 100 metres and making 32 tackles, Leeson Ah Mau was a workhorse in 80 minutes for Samoa.
14. Cameron Munster (Australia) – Munster stepped into the green and gold No.7 on debut with an inspired performance that saw him orchestrate the Kangaroos’ attack scoring two tries and having a hand in a further three.
15. Jordan McLean (Australia) – McLean was a strong performer in the Australian forward pack, standing tall in their victory over France.
16. Joseph Tapine (New Zealand) – Tapine continued his run of form for the Kiwis playing a key role in the forward pack with a try to his name and some outstanding hit-ups.
17. Manu Ma’u (Tonga) – Ma’u put in an outstanding effort over 80 minutes, scoring a try and running for nearly 200 metres.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
So you agree then that it is not wrong to change your nation if you are eligible? And that the only thing you object to is the time allowed between switches? If so, all you are doing then is complaining about the process. You do realise that the current system is not the end goal, right?
Nat
Roar Guru
Maestro, the AFL WC is an assumptions not an opinion about league fans to compensate for what you are doing right now. Would we laugh at an AFL international comp, possibly, can't speak for everyone. Would we spend weeks on an AFL thread belittling it - No. Only an insecure fool would. You need to read the rules between tier 1 and tier 2 nations eligibility and you will find exactly what you said about Bont applies in league. Exactly why I brought it up. Yet you consider my example bizarre because you have no idea about the eligibility criteria. Maybe then your examples of Toumalolo, Pettybourne, Fifita and even Farah may become clear and you will realise how very wrong you have been in all instances. The rules were developed to enhance the international game and with 280+ players in this tournament and you hang your hat on the very few to suit your argument.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Well maestro/Andrew RLWC programs will attract an audience of about 8 million this weekend like last weekend. While we enjoy the footy you can sit around childishly obsessing about how unfair it all is.
Maestro
Guest
Nat Bontempelli was born and lived here and qualifies? for All-Aus reread your own stuff -its bizarre. Bont would be eligible for Italy under heritage rules but would have to decide on one or the other and couldn't keep changing as happens in RL. SA You can change eligibility after a qualifying period perhaps of residency but no code allows you to change back and forth like Liberian flag of convenience.but not yearly
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Dear me andrew. If you are going to create all these fake ids try and write a little differently for each one. You are the ultimate one trick pony.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
You're against changing eligibilties. That's all good and well. But if you are eligible, other than logistical reasons, why shouldn't you be able to change? Don't worry about me running out of ideas. I won a participation award.
Maestro
Guest
Koribete has lived here for 3 years and in any case has never played RU for Fiji so hence eligible for Wallabies. He has not changed allegiance after playing for one country and then another without residency or citizenship. SA - what has been debunked you don't specify so I guess you have run out of ideas. Pettybourne played for Samoa yet his parents are from American Samoa - different - look up an atlas. They can play for their heritage but all sports bar RL dont allow you to swap and change back unless you have residency as well. That is the difference eg Pettybourne and Taumololo will go back NZ so 2 changes in 12 months without residency or citizenship. Nat - good you wouldn't care about AFL WC but plenty of others laugh at AFL international dreams yet have RL a artificially confected WC to lift their international "credits". JK is a one trick pony on ids which is ironic given the topic is national identification.
Nat
Roar Guru
I never profess to be 100% right all the time, I'm not that smart but there is a fair gulf between you and I. Don't play the disabled card champ, your inability to research or offer a coherent argument has nothing to do with a 100m dash. Would I be irked? Sometimes, but as a Bronco and Qld fan it happens constantly. As a Roosters fan you know what I'm talking about but in the majority I let it go because it is just an opinion. In the majority it is light hearted, however, if I perceive it to be insulting I will offer my retort and let it go - as I did with that piece. This is where you have failed. You attempted to tie me to a 6month old piece and it was very obvious what you were trying to do. Then you got it very wrong so changed tack. Now I've answered your question and you disagree, however, there is no link between my entitlement and the Lord article and that was the point this entire time. But you had to continue because I played with your ego. Next time, just call me a name and be done with it.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Maestro, you misrepresent your own facts to make a point that has been debunked over and over again. But you certainly get points for participation.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
If a person were eligible to play for more than one nation, then other than logistical reasons, why shouldn't he or she be able to?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
True that. But I disagree.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
You're repeating yourself.... International rugby league management has been poor until the last decade. Club rugby league, in particular here in Australia, has been woefully shortsighted and insular. But that's hardly news. And it certainly doesn't negate the potential of Test rugby league. Keep trying Maestro.
Wolly
Roar Guru
You’re suggesting you wouldn’t be irked by a NSWelshman having having a shot at QLD? I haven’t bothered going through your history, but I would bet my left testicle in there somewhere I would find what I’m looking for. He didn’t insult anyone and there was no valid reason whatsoever for him to say sorry no matter the outcome of this years series. I have visited this forum for a number of years and from experience if the piece was truly insulting it would have had 3x the responses it did, especially being just before game one. You can call this your safe space because if you called me little Selva to my face I would put my prosthetic leg that far up your rear you would resemble a human pogo stick.
Nat
Roar Guru
Again Adriano you are 100% wrong. Asking an author if they will publish an apology IF they are proven wrong is far from entitled. And given the tenuous link you are trying to make, I'm not sure you know what entitled means. Look it up champ. You didn't actually read the reply to the article did you? I believe I detailed my reasoning to why I disagreed. But allow me to indulge you, if he was to apologise it wouldn't be to me, (I don't expect certain privileges - there's a hint in there) it would be to the those he insulted and who ultimately proved Lord incorrect in his opinion piece. I was never deflecting, I was never going drawn by someone unable to make a point. If you perceive an "air of intellectual superiority" that is your opinion. If I appear confident in my statements it may be because I believe what I say based on years of experience and research. But I am happy to acknowledge when I'm wrong, it just won't be by the likes of you. Since May this year, you've made 2 comments directly related to the RL article itself and the rest were just commenting on others comments. On many occasions, you've had a shot at Qld, Storm and Broncos, as evidenced on Aug 15 this year and that's where this all stems from - a Qlder has a shot at NSW and little Selva didn't like it. Pity your intellect isn't strong enough to carry a succinct argument.
Wolly
Roar Guru
The DL stuff was to point out the hypocrisy in saying someone (or in your case a whole state) has a sense of entitlement and asking an author if he is going to apologise for merely giving his opinion, and I believe you were suggesting he should. You seem to have your own sense of entitlement where a QLD related article must be positive and in line with your personal thoughts on the matter. I will ask one last time but I won’t hold my breath expecting a sensible response. Who was Lord meant to apologise to and what was he meant to apologise for? And your air of intellectual superiority is laughable as evidenced by your replies it holds no weight whatsoever. Instead of answering the questions I’ve put to you, you have carried on deflecting, which from my experience is the easy way out. You could have included a response to my questions in your posts but that was just too difficult am I right?
Nat
Roar Guru
And you've said that multiple times over various forums yet again you offer nothing but broad generalities. If the AFL did start a WC, I couldn't care and definitely wouldn't be insecure enough to jump onto their forums with a one string bow trying to belittle it. However, I would be offended if some clown told me I was not of the same heritage as my family. Pettybourne, born in NZ from American Samoan parents who moved to Australia. How is that different from Marike Koroibete, who only moved to Aust to play league now in the Wallabies. Should Marcus Bontempelli not be in the 2017 AFL All Aust team because his father is from Caulonia, Italy? Or any number of the Socceroos? Cricket, Tennis, Athletics should I go on? Welcome to the global village. Keep up or move on.
Nat
Roar Guru
So that was your point? Where were you going with all the garbage with Lord (a point you delivered very succinctly* btw)? Like soccer, which I believe is your forte, that took a long time to get nowhere. Fortunately for NSW, I will not label the entire state based on this amusing little interaction. *succinctly adverb in a brief and clearly expressed manner.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Definitive proof that you are our little mate posting under yet another id. Andrew the maestro strikes again.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Who cares maestro. Get a life mate. You are a first class bore.
Maestro
Guest
Here I am JK if that's your real ID. Nat - players can play in international pro leagues if they wish as they are entitled to do. You as usual misrepresent - what I object to is national teams dressed up full of heritage players who represent their "nation" and change allegiance at a whim and rarely visit or play in their "home" nation and portray that to the muddled oafs as genuine international competition. You may scoff at the AFL for having no genuine international competition but they could equally have a World Cup made up of Croatian, Italian, Serbian, Irish etc teams made up of heritage players. You would be the first to laugh..