The Rugby League World Cup finals are just around the corner with Australia, England (men’s) and New Zealand (women’s) all qualifying for the big dance to be held next weekend in Brisbane.
The Kangaroos proved too good in a dominant performance against Fiji while England held off a Tongan comeback, the match marred by controversy.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, New Zealand put on a second half masterclass as they moved past England before the Jillaroos justified their tournament favouritism against Canada.
Holmes hits Fiji for six as Kangaroos move through to final
Australia dominated Fiji in Brisbane on Friday night, booking their place in the Rugby League World Cup final with a 54-6 win.
The Kangaroos are now just one win away from defending their title as they set their sights on becoming the first nation to win a World Cup on home soil since the 1977 Australian team.
Valentine Holmes was the star of the show scoring six tries on the wing, breaking his own record which he set last week against Samoa with five.
The Australians put in a clinical display proving why they are the No.1 rugby league nation in the world. The green and gold remain the only undefeated team in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup but could be without a number of players with Aaron Woods, David Klemmer and Josh McGuire both racing the clock to be fit.
Were Tonga robbed against England?
England have overcome a late Tongan comeback in controversial circumstances during their 20-18 win in Auckland, booking their first World Cup final in 22 years.
Playing in front of 30,003 fans at Mt Smart Stadium, England were strong from the opening moments with Jermaine McGillvary and Gareth Widdop both scoring inside the first quarter.
Tonga struggled to get into the match with England holding a 20-0 lead with under ten minutes remaining however Mate Ma’a finally struck through Tevita Pangai Junior in the 73rd minute.
Powered on by big forwards Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita and Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Tonga scored a further two tries to Siliva Havili and Tuimoala Lolohea to close the gap to only two points however it wasn’t enough as England’s defence held up to secure victory.
The last play of the match has come under scrutiny after the ball came loose from Andrew Fifita, the big man regathering and finding the chalk. Head referee Matt Cecchin decided not to review the contentious decision despite appeals from the Tongan team.
Did Andrew Fifita knock-on or was the ball raked out by Kevin Brown? My verdict: Andrew Fifita made a loose carry – no try.
Cecchin made the correct decision and should not be sacked. Yes it should have been sent to the video review official but it wouldn’t have been awarded. England won fair and square.
(NRLPhotos/Grant Trouville)
Clinical Kiwi Ferns dominate England while Jillaroos prove too good for Canada
New Zealand and Australia have booked their place in the final after dominating their opposition.
It was a close affair between New Zealand and England in the opening half, the Lionesses only 14-4 down at the break however the Kiwi Ferns showed their might with an outstanding second half display.
Lilieta Maumau and Teuila Fotu-Moala both led the New Zealand forward pack bringing up over 200 metres each while Krystal Murray and Hilda Peters proved just as dominant. Nita Maynard and Kimiora Nati combined well to give Honey Hireme a three-try haul, firing a warning shot to archrivals Australia during their 52-4 victory.
New Zealand’s spirit was matched by the Jillaroos in their demolition of Canada 58-6. Australia’s effort was led by Ali Brigginshaw, the five-eighth scoring two tries and setting up another. Steph Hancock, Karina Brown and Isabelle Kelly also enjoyed doubles while Ruan Sims scored one, leading up the middle of the park with a tally of 140 metres.
From the rise of the Papua New Guinea Orchids to the Cook Islands’ upset win over England, there have been plenty of positives to come out of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup. And now we are set for a showdown between Australia and New Zealand to determine just who is the best in the world.
Who should win the Golden Boot?
The RLIF have announced the shortlist for the 2017 Golden Boot with Jermaine McGillvary (England), Cameron Smith (Australia), Jason Taumalolo (Tonga) and Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji) all named.
History could be made in 2017 as if Taumalolo or Vunivalu win, it would be the first time a player from outside the big three nations has won. Furthermore, should McGillvary or Vunivalu win they would become the first winger in history to be crowned. Among the list only Cameron Smith (2007) has won in the past.
Suliasi Vunivalu of Fiji
So who deserves the Golden Boot? Each has a case to make.
Jermaine McGillvary (England, Huddersfield Giants) – After a sensational Rugby League World Cup with England, McGillvary has made himself known to the public. The Huddersfield star has six tries to his name so far at the Rugby League World Cup after bagging 19 meat pies for the claret and gold. He has now attracted plenty of interest from NRL clubs and is also being courted from Super League rival Warrington.
Cameron Smith (Australia, Melbourne Storm) – He has done it all captaining the Melbourne Storm to a premiership in the NRL, leading the Queensland Maroons to a 2-1 State of Origin series victory and steering the Kangaroos to the World Cup final.
Jason Taumalolo (Tonga, North Queensland Cowboys) – The greatest forward in the world, Taumalolo has turned international rugby league on its head by defecting to Tonga helping propel the small island nation to the semifinals. He smashed records in 2017 breaking the 5000 metre mark in the NRL as the Cowboys qualified for the NRL grand final from eighth position.
Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji, Melbourne Storm) – Vunivalu has been smashing records on the wing for both the Melbourne Storm and Fiji Bati. He scored an impressive 23 tries in the Storm’s premiership victory while also crossing the line nine times for Fiji during the World Cup.
Who gets my vote? I don’t think you could go wrong with Taumalolo.
(NRLPhotos/Scott Davis)
Team of the week
1. Gareth Widdop (England) – Exceptional at the back, Widdop scored a try and set up two more to cement his place during England’s win over Tonga.
2. Jermaine McGillvary (England) – The Huddersfield winger continued his impressive tournament with a try, almost reaching the 200 metre mark.
3. John Bateman (England) – Solid at three-quarter, Bateman scored a try and was composed on defence.
4. Josh Dugan (Australia) – Despite seeing limited minutes, Dugan formed a great partnership on the edge with Valentine Holmes.
5. Valentine Holmes (Australia) – Breaking his own Rugby League World Cup record, Valentine Holmes scored six tries against Fiji in a near-perfect display from the Sharks star.
6. Tuimoala Lolohea (Tonga) – Lolohea made some game breaking advances scoring a try in Tonga’s late charge against England.
7. Cooper Cronk (Australia) – Displaying composure and setting up tries with the boot, Cronk led from the front for the Kangaroos.
8. Andrew Fifita (Tonga) – Fifita was at his explosive best running for 131 metres, making 34 tackles and very nearly scoring a try on the siren.
9. Siliva Havili (Tonga) – Havili was promising out of acting half scoring a try and proving to be a workhorse on defence.
10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Tonga) – Taukeiaho was massive with 178 metres gained as well as 23 tackles, he was instrumental in keeping Mate Ma’a within striking distance of England.
11. Manu Ma’u (Tonga) – Ma’u put in another workhorse display over 80 minutes running for 152 metres and making 37 tackles.
12. Elliott Whitehead (England) – With a try assist and 146 running metres, Whitehead was lethal in attack while his defensive workrate of 32 tackles stood out.
13. Jason Taumalolo (Tonga) – The Tongan giant put in another exceptional performance with 222 metres gained from 18 hit-ups as well as 23 tackles and a try assist.
14. Michael Morgan (Australia) – Great at stand-off for the Kangaroos setting up two tries and providing a spark for the Australian attack.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
15. Matt Gillett (Australia) – Gillett was great on the edge putting in a spirited display breaking the line on two occasions.
16. Sam Burgess (England) – Forming the heart of the England pack, Burgess played for 73 minutes making 165 metres and 26 tackles.
17. James Graham (England) – Graham played with his heart on his sleeve, running for 117 metres and making 33 tackles.
Terry Tavita
Guest
a good call by the RLWC not to appoint cecchin to officiate the final..not with the cloud over his handling of last weekend's semifinal..
twojay
Roar Rookie
Lame crowds reflects the country's interest in a lame competition pretending to be international
Peter
Guest
Oingo Boingo should ask himself why he feels it necessary to drag US politics onto this forum, why he does not understand that people are not protesting the presidential election, they're protesting his actions since becoming president, and why he feels it necessary to call those people "morons." Does OB say "Yes Prime Minister, well done Prime Minister" about every action taken by the Prime Minister, of whatever political persuasion?
Justin Kearney
Guest
During this game Cecchin referred several calls upstairs when he was unclear including a no try and a try referral. Otherwise, when he thought the decision was clear he called it himself. In his opinion , and it is the only one that mattered, fifita dropped the ball. There was no reason to refer it in his mind. Good on him. He is a bloody good ref.
souvalis
Guest
Without laboring the point..Peter Sterling pointed out mid season that the object of the defender isn’t stopping the man,but stopping the ball..players are coached to attack the ball when their tryline is in peril of being breached..current player and coach Benji and Loz objected because it’s part of their lore...note Kevvie Naquimas attempt on Val Holmes’ 6th... Cecchin called it correctly as per consistency,the better team on the day won..but it’ll happen again unless it’s brought up to speed.
Fox Lvy
Guest
bow out sadly because of politics involved in this game. now they got what they wanted to have tie one nations compete for the final.
Nat
Roar Guru
Congrats to all the PI and PNG teams for making the WC 2017 something memorable. The Irish were wronged and France, Italy and Lebanon were tough and passionate. Not one to remember for NZ but were strong without their best on hand. When those fellas return I still rate NZ a class above most comers. It'll be a tough contest for Eng v Aust but I think the Aussies have gone up 2 levels since their opening clash. Mal, IMO, needs Munster on the bench. Eng proved the benefit of having Roby on the bench on Saturday but when Dugan went down on Friday (unusual I know) I feared for the Aussie attack. The Pommie bench was massive against Mate Ma'a. Golden Boot: I've been impressed with McGillvray/Watkins this tourny but I don't believe wingers should get the Golden Boot. Vunivalu had a great year with the Storm but learned a hard lesson what it's like playing against them having Holmes put 6 tries on him. If it is between Smith and JT13, I could go either way - both very deserved.
Nat
Roar Guru
Of everyone, I thought the Tongan fans at the game were be best of them all. With a close final call, social media blows up, petitions are formed and the ref is lambasted, yet the attendees accept the the call and sing to celebrate their team's accomplishments. If you are there and all you seen was the same proud support, more credit to them.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
The Tongan supporters have ask themselves.....Would they be happy to accept the decision of a try being awarded if ,the exact same scenario had played out with James Graham going for the line ? I think not .
beepee
Guest
Yep. Agreed. Cecchin made a good call under immense pressure, so no need for the bunker.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
People just can't accept anything anymore. They feel it's their obligation to protest everything that goes against them .... Just look at the morons in the US , still protesting a democratically elected president one year on . The Tongans have to ask themselves...If it was James Graham going for the line, and the same scenario were reversed, would they be happy to concede the try ,,,,, I think not .
souvalis
Guest
How would ‘seen to be done’ appease Tongans when there’s an Englishman governing the videos ?
Jimmmy
Guest
Oingo , I agree and believe the Ref made the right call. The thing is justice must not just be done, it must be seen to be done. If the video Ref reviews it and explains why it is no try the volume of the backlash will be dialled down considerably.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
I can't see what the fuss is about , Fifita dropped the pill , and the ref is under no obligation to send it to the bunker . It was the right decision in the first instance, so the second is irrelevant.
Cedric
Guest
apparently Tongan supporters demonstrating the refs decision in central Auckland yesterday, from what I heard no dramas just a lot of car horns and flags waving. It was no try, but the refs have made a rod for their own backs as they nearly always go to the bunker, so when a ref calls one on his own and when the concerned team is then knocked out, oh what a drama. I thought the first try was a double movement, I thought Pangai was held? Also Tonga down 20-0 with 9mins to go. I was surprised how quickly England turned around their completion rate and their defence was very good, for 72mins anyway. Vunavalu had a shocker against the Roos'.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I was a fan of Josh Charnely on the wing for England so when he left league and was replaced by McGillvary I wondered how it would all turn out. After watching his first match I was hooked and it is great to see how far he has come. One of the best wingers in the world right now, if not the best. I still haven't come up with a moniker for him though. I like Panther, myself. The guy is lethal and you never know he is there until he is there. Awesome stuff.
Jimmmy
Guest
Firstly Riley let me congratulate your reasoned opinion of the Tonga game controversy. Absolutely spot on. The issue was not the decision but was not referring it. The decision was fine and especially if it had gone up no try it it would not have been reversed. Secondly if England are to trouble Australia in the final, they must throw conservatism out the door. No , ‘take the two points’ , no set for set argy bargy, no kick for the corners and pin them down. Think attack ,offload, attack, offload attack. Sure this could blow up in their face, but if they play conventional footy against the Roos they may as well concede now. The thing is they have a team who can play that way. Will Bennett let them?
swamprat
Roar Pro
Tonga v England was one of the best I’ve ever seen. I would like to see Tonga play v England. Is that ever possible if the Tongans can’t know who is going to show.? That game was brilliant. Stop bagging RU and get this going.