The equation for the World Cup quarter-finals is simple, and makes for rugby league at its finest: the winner goes on, and the loser leaves the country.
But first, let’s reflect on the highlights of trimming 14 teams down to eight.
These are my top five moments of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup so far.
Tonga beating New Zealand
There was much at stake in this match, not the least the right to not be on the same side of the draw as the all-conquering Kangaroos.
There was plenty of bad blood as well, with three Kiwi ‘defectors’ in Manu Ma’u, David Fusitua and the world’s best forward, Jason Taumalolo, turning out for Tonga.
This match had everything. Big defence, scintillating tries, and a fairytale, come-from-behind victory to sum it all up.
The marketing people at RLIF should latch onto the image of Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo embracing at the end of the game and make it the ‘Provan-Summons’ moment of international rugby league.
Tonga players celebrate at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (NRL Photos/Shane Wenzlick)
Mitchell Moses sinks France
One of my favourite things about this tournament is seeing players free from the shackles of NRL football, playing unstructured and what’s in front of them.
That’s exactly what Mitchell Moses did in the clutch moments of Lebanon’s opening game against France.
This was a fantastic, close and competitive game – until Moses stamped his authority on proceedings.
With the scores locked at 18-all, Moses showed great composure to snap a field goal in the 74th minute from about 30 metres out.
As if that wasn’t enough, one minute later the Eels half put the game out of reach for France with a fantastic chip-and-chase try. Lebanon then scored another try to finish 29-18, securing a place in the quarters.
Tonga versus Samoa
If there’s one thing we learnt from watching these two teams play, it’s that it needs to happen more often.
This match was a great contest, and some of the hits would have caused earthquakes all over the Pacific. Although Tonga got up comfortably in the end, 32-18, it’s always a pleasure to watch these two heavyweight nations go at it.
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Mark Kheirallah’s try
The Australia versus France game was never going to be one of the matches of the tournament, finishing – fairly predictably, I might add – 52-6 in the Kangaroos’ favour.
But what happened on the stroke of halftime will remain etched in the memories of French and Australian fans alike.
As the plucky French fullback Mark Kheirallah pounced on the ball five metres out from his own line, I had a feeling we were about to witness something special. With every player he beat, his confidence grew. He was going to make it.
As soon as he was in the clear, no amount of Australianness could prevent me from cheering him all the way to the tryline.
After a disappointing World Cup campaign, hopefully the French can draw on this magnificent try as inspiration at future tournaments.
Scotland draw with Samoa
After heavy defeats to Tonga and New Zealand, managing a draw against the Kiwis (who were ranked number one in the world at the time) in last year’s Four Nations seemed a distant memory for Scotland.
Things off the field couldn’t have been worse either, with skipper Danny Brough among three players to be sent home after a drunken incident before the game against Samoa.
All the Samoans required to proceed to the quarter-finals was a draw, so this was their chance to put a bit of a score on and build momentum leading into the finals.
What actually took place though was a completely different story.
The Bravehearts were inspirational in weathering the Samoan forwards. Luke Douglas in the middle was immense, while Lewis Tierney and Matty Russell provided some pressure-relieving runs from the back.
At the end of the day, the Scots, without being brilliant, were able to jag a draw and finish their tournament on a positive note.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Ireland were very unfortunate to have not scored that try under the posts late in the match against PNG. But those moments often make the best stories in sports.
Fred
Guest
Danny Addy was great against Samoa.
matth
Guest
I would add the unexpectedly strong performance of Ireland as the other northern hemisphere sides wilted around them, was a highlight. Smart halves, good control and a willing pack made PNG work very hard to get through them. they should go home proud.
Felix
Guest
The Scottish team singing the Flower of Scotland acapella? before the game with heavy North of England accents
Raugeee
Guest
Was screaming Allez Français! while Mark Kheirallah was scorchig up the field for his try. They don't come any better than that.
Nat
Roar Guru
It is good to see another contender make their mark in Tonga. Plus from the games we've seen I'm no longer 100% Australia are shoe-ins either but I am behind them 100% to be clear. For all the 'heritage 't-r-o-l-l-s' some of the teams, players and crowds have made this tournament memorable with more to come. For mine, Danny Addy from Scotland is one to watch. Garry Lo is a younger, stronger Uate who should get an NRL start for entertainment factor alone. Fiji are taking a back seat to the PI battles but will soon become a factor and the NZ team, written off by many, are displaying the talent we know they have, even without their better players in Foran, Bromwich, Harris and Proctor. Tonga have been the story leading up to the comp and now proven their passion but so have all the quarter final contenders and I can't wait.