Ireland have beaten Wales to complete their 2017 World Cup with two wins and they must feel a little disheartened that they don’t get a crack at the semi-finals.
After pushing the Kumuls all the way, the quarter-final position was effectively decided by that close loss and despite winning two of their three games, the men in green fail to advance.
The Welsh have had a disappointing tournament and failed to impress. There are some talented kids in the squad and their spirit was evident, however, the ability to match the power game of their opposition was lacking and the enormous for and against deficit showed just how far off the pace they were.
Both teams should be proud of the contribution they have made to the tournament and will plan carefully for the next edition where they will seek to improve on this result.
Final score
Wales 6
Ireland 34
The Irish and the Welsh meet in what will be a passionate clash in the final round of preliminary matches in the Rugby League World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from the match at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Sunday evening, starting from 6:30pm (AEDT).
While the Welsh have not performed as well as they might have hoped, the Irish could have plenty for which to play. A strong win against the Welsh and an unlikely loss by the Kumuls against the USA could see them advance to the quarter-finals.
That scenario does seem highly unlikely, however, they will still feel they are a sneaky chance if Papua New Guinea strike trouble on Sunday.
For Wales, they will play with pride in an attempt to defeat one of their old foes, knowing full well that there is still much work to be done in the coming years, if they expect to return as even a moderate threat in future tournaments.
The Irish will still be lamenting the chances they had against the Kumuls, in a game that was there to be won for either team, if they had been able to hold onto the ball more consistently.
As a consequence, they will give this match everything, with a faint hope of advancing and much pride on the line.
Prediction
Expect a bit of early passion in this one, however, the more powerful Irish forwards and the experience they have across the squad will prove far too strong for the Welsh.
Wales 12, Ireland 42
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from the match between Ireland and Wales in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Sunday evening, starting from 6:30pm (AEDT).
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
The format needs fixing, of course, but the logic behind the current system is as stated. If Ireland had held on to the ball a bit better against PNG, then it would most likely be them going through. USA, Canada and Jamaica will fight it out for two spots and I think there is one more from Europe. Middle East/Africa (which in practical terms is really just Lebanon and every now and then South Africa) have already got their quota completed with Lebanon being guaranteed a place in 2021 courtesy of making the quarter finals.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Just having a bit of a dig at the format. It's just confusing to hear a team with two wins and a loss failed to qualify while a team with two losses and a draw. Do we know where the next two spots are coming from? I'd like to see Russia or Canada make it but don't see it happening without an extra spot given to their qualification groups.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Teams were seeded according to world rankings and the better ranked nations pooled together in Groups A & B. As a result, more teams from those two groups were given the opportunity to advance to the quarter finals. Winning in a weaker group was not considered to be as indicative of strength as pre-tournament ranking. Obviously Ireland showed that that isn't necessarily the case and the next World Cup will rectify that with four groups of four.
Big Barry
Guest
Should have been 16 teams in the RLWC- 4 Groups of 4 with the top 2 of each group advancing-Seed teams 1 to 16 and place them accordingly in the groups- Cannot see how Samoa could justify qualifying having not won a game - very poor
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Trying to figure out how Samoa go through with no wins and Ireland bow out with 2 big wins and a close loss.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Ireland have beaten Wales to complete their 2017 World Cup with two wins and they must feel a little disheartened that they don’t get a crack at the semi-finals. After pushing the Kumuls all the way, the quarter-final position was effectively decided by that close loss and despite winning two of their three games, the men in green fail to advance. The Welsh have had a disappointing tournament and failed to impress. There are some talented kids in the squad and their spirit was evident, however, the ability to match the power game of their opposition was lacking and the enormous for and against deficit showed just how far off the pace they were. Both teams should be proud of the contribution they have made to the tournament and will plan carefully for the next edition where they will seek to improve on this result. Wales 6 Ireland 34
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board tonight. Match report to follow in ten minutes and stay on board for England vs France and the Roar's live coverage.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full-time Wales 6 Ireland 34
Stuart Thomas
Expert
80' Wales 6 Ireland 34
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Penalty Wales as the ball is turned over and they try the chip and chase. A player was held back. One last chance.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The last tackle option gives them another set yet they spill the ball and Ireland move upfield.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Wales try another short kick-off and retrieve the ball with a full set on the Irish line.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The conversion from Liam Finn is............successful.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Nice move from Ireland and the game is decided.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A nice backline move from the Irish and Liam Kay scores in the corner.......TRY IRELAND
Stuart Thomas
Expert
74' Ireland right on the Welsh line after a knock down and a full set of six to come. Try coming.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The English referee has just given a scrum lesson on staying bound.......has he been watching for the last five years in Australia? There is no such thing. Fans must be confused.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
71' And the Welsh put it down..............................oh no.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Ireland put it down again and the Welsh get a bit of justice and a chance to attack.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
70' Davis leaves the field after copping a high one from Singleton..........no penalty......interesting.