It seems referees have taken the spotlight yet again over the past few weeks. While New Zealand, and in fact the rest of the world, were celebrating an Australian demise in Brisbane, Ricky Stuart was cursing and verbally abusing World Cup final referee Ashley Klien in a hotel lobby. Australian coach, Stuart, was unhappy with Klein's performance in the final while the rest of the 52,000 in Suncorp thought he had referees the game quite well and Australia had lost the World Cup fairly.
After such events, Stuart should resign as Australian coach as soon as possible and forever leave actions like this away from the international game. There is no place for verbal abuse at an official whether it be on the field, in the sheds or in a public place away from the stadium. A public apology is not good enough for a professional such as Stuart. He is a grown man and just because Klein is a Super League referee does not mean he should be put in the stocks. So to speak.
And on the subject of refereeing, the ARL's radical new attempt the introduce two referees on the field is gaining momentum. Yes thats right, two referees on the same field for NRL games. And while we're at it, change the play the ball to throwing it between the players legs in the middle of the field, bring the defence forward to only one yard from the "ruck", allow non ball handing attacking players to obstruct the defence and let attackers throw the ball forward.
Hang on, doesn't that sport already exist in America?
Anyway, two referees is not only pointless but also a pain in the anus. The reason we have one referee is so one man can call the decisions without consulting peers, therefore slowing the game down. Australian fans and critics have always complained about the game being slowed down, so why do they come up with ideas to make the problem worse? There is the argument that the referee has too much to look out for and gets offsides and forward passes wrong on a regular basis. But refereeing at a professional game is not difficult, as say, refereeing or umpiring any sport when assisted.
Here is the ideal scenario that the referee, touch judges, video referees and in-goal judges should follow. The man in the middle (wearing pink in Super League) focuses on the ruck and play the ball. He checks for infringement, if markers are square and correct play the balls. Touch judges check for offsides and forward passes. Both alternate tasks at half time, so one checks for offside and the other checks for forward passes. Simple. In-goal judges of course check for grounding of the ball and if a try has been scored while the video referee does the same job he has always done. While many want this technology scrapped, you must bear in mind the technology isn't getting the decisions wrong, its the person behind the red and green butons that is getting them wrong.
And on that note, there is no need for the NRL to bring in two referees. Whats Colin Love's number? Someone should let him know.
Sunday 30 November 2008
Saturday 29 November 2008
A Tap on the Twenty's RLWC08 Awards.
In the first of two award announcements this year, we award and recognise players and teams that have earned special mention during the past five weeks in the view of the makers of A Tap on the Twenty.
Try of the Tournament: Darren Lockyer V New Zealand (Final)
Hit of the Tournament: Jarryd Hayne on Darren Lockyer (Semi Final)
Player of the Tournament: Billy Slater - Australia
Team of the Tournament: Fiji
Most Courageous Team of the Tournament: Papua New Guinea
Lifetime Achievement Award: Stanley Gene
Referee of the Tournament: Steve Ganson
A Tap on the Twenty's RLWC08 Special Award: Scotland & Ireland
And now we shame those who failed to live up to their reputations at the tournament...
Sorest Loser of the Tournament: Ricky Stuart
Most Underachieving Team of the Tournament: France
Biggest Disappointment of the Tournament: England's performances in every game.
Over Hyped Player of the Tournament: Paul Wellens - England
Try of the Tournament: Darren Lockyer V New Zealand (Final)
Hit of the Tournament: Jarryd Hayne on Darren Lockyer (Semi Final)
Player of the Tournament: Billy Slater - Australia
Team of the Tournament: Fiji
Most Courageous Team of the Tournament: Papua New Guinea
Lifetime Achievement Award: Stanley Gene
Referee of the Tournament: Steve Ganson
A Tap on the Twenty's RLWC08 Special Award: Scotland & Ireland
And now we shame those who failed to live up to their reputations at the tournament...
Sorest Loser of the Tournament: Ricky Stuart
Most Underachieving Team of the Tournament: France
Biggest Disappointment of the Tournament: England's performances in every game.
Over Hyped Player of the Tournament: Paul Wellens - England
Monday 24 November 2008
Rugby League World Cup 2008 final review.
New Zealand 34-20 Australia
For the past nineteen years I never thought it would happen. For the past nineteen years I have seen a team in green and gold rule the roost on international RL. I have seen whitewash test series, heartbreaking test series and 64-10 test matches.
But there have been moments for joy for opposition to the so called 'elite'. 23-10 in Sydney 2006, I was present at 24-0 in Leeds 2005 and now in 2008 I saw on my magic box another historic victory.
Australia's 33 year domination came to an end on the 22nd November 2008, and with it the credibility of international Rugby League was released from its cage. But this was not a one off victory for New Zealand, this victory had been sneaking up on Australia for years to come. Ever since the introduction of Auckland Warriors in 1995, New Zealand Rugby League has been making important steps to defeat their Tasman rivals. Success was achieved and with it, a little piece of history. Until Saturday, New Zealand had never won the RL World Cup.
What surprised me early on in the game is both teams desire to play some footy. Both sides early on in their set of six offloaded in rather risky situations. From then on I knew we would have a cracking game on our hands. From then on we saw tries and plays that would keep the Harlem Globetrotters happy. Darren Lockyer's fantastic team try was a perfect example of this. Australia should have closed the game from that moment, they had the momentum going into half time and should have capitalised.
But as we all know, with an Australian loss comes excuses and talking points. We'll start with the penalty try. Should it have been given? The answer is no. Now bear with me here. I don't believe it should have been a penalty try, but it should have been a simple penalty and Joel Monaghan should have been sin binned. Chances are NZ would have scored from the set of six anyway so it may not have affected the result. But I felt that Billy Slater was in a position where there was a 50/50 chance of either Slater or Roparti contesting the ball. As we all know, a penalty try can only be given if there is 100% certainty of the attacking player scoring. In my opinion there wasn't and a penalty should have been awarded to New Zealand ten metres out.
The other talking point is the steal from Anthoney Laffranchi on Benji Marshall resulting in Jerome Roparti scoring from what looked like a knock on on first look. However, despite the cry from various fans of Marshall not having hold of the ball properly, I feel there was intent from Watmough to strip the ball and therefore a one-on-one strip is play on no matter where the ball lands. Lucky for New Zealand, it was they who picked the ball up and scored.
Australia never recovered from the penalty try despite Greg Inglis scoring in the corner with minutes of the game remaining. They panicked under 33 years of pressure and despite former Australian greats claiming that this green and gold side was the best ever, they surrendered the World Cup and New Zealand made a little piece of history.
For the past nineteen years I never thought it would happen. For the past nineteen years I have seen a team in green and gold rule the roost on international RL. I have seen whitewash test series, heartbreaking test series and 64-10 test matches.
But there have been moments for joy for opposition to the so called 'elite'. 23-10 in Sydney 2006, I was present at 24-0 in Leeds 2005 and now in 2008 I saw on my magic box another historic victory.
Australia's 33 year domination came to an end on the 22nd November 2008, and with it the credibility of international Rugby League was released from its cage. But this was not a one off victory for New Zealand, this victory had been sneaking up on Australia for years to come. Ever since the introduction of Auckland Warriors in 1995, New Zealand Rugby League has been making important steps to defeat their Tasman rivals. Success was achieved and with it, a little piece of history. Until Saturday, New Zealand had never won the RL World Cup.
What surprised me early on in the game is both teams desire to play some footy. Both sides early on in their set of six offloaded in rather risky situations. From then on I knew we would have a cracking game on our hands. From then on we saw tries and plays that would keep the Harlem Globetrotters happy. Darren Lockyer's fantastic team try was a perfect example of this. Australia should have closed the game from that moment, they had the momentum going into half time and should have capitalised.
But as we all know, with an Australian loss comes excuses and talking points. We'll start with the penalty try. Should it have been given? The answer is no. Now bear with me here. I don't believe it should have been a penalty try, but it should have been a simple penalty and Joel Monaghan should have been sin binned. Chances are NZ would have scored from the set of six anyway so it may not have affected the result. But I felt that Billy Slater was in a position where there was a 50/50 chance of either Slater or Roparti contesting the ball. As we all know, a penalty try can only be given if there is 100% certainty of the attacking player scoring. In my opinion there wasn't and a penalty should have been awarded to New Zealand ten metres out.
The other talking point is the steal from Anthoney Laffranchi on Benji Marshall resulting in Jerome Roparti scoring from what looked like a knock on on first look. However, despite the cry from various fans of Marshall not having hold of the ball properly, I feel there was intent from Watmough to strip the ball and therefore a one-on-one strip is play on no matter where the ball lands. Lucky for New Zealand, it was they who picked the ball up and scored.
Australia never recovered from the penalty try despite Greg Inglis scoring in the corner with minutes of the game remaining. They panicked under 33 years of pressure and despite former Australian greats claiming that this green and gold side was the best ever, they surrendered the World Cup and New Zealand made a little piece of history.
Thursday 20 November 2008
Rugby League world Cup 2008 final preview.
Australia V New Zealand
The Rugby League World Cup 2008 will conclude in Brisbane on Saturday. For the past month ten teams have been controversially whittled down to two, and its pretty unanamously agreed these two teams are the two best teams in the world.
New Zealand have comfortably brushed aside Papua New Guinea and England (twice) and now they face the side who beat them on day two. Australia have had an easier ride to Brisbane. They have destroyed every team that has faced them and I would not be complaining if they were eventually voted the best Australian side ever, as some critics seem to belive.
Benji Marshall will be the only player on New Zealand's side cpable of springing the biggest upset in Rugby League history, if it were possible. But the quality of Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston will be too much for the NZ halfs pairing. On top of that, Price and Petro Civoniceva will be making the hard yards for Australia backed up by Laffranchi, Gallen and Glenn Stewart. Need I talk about their three quarters?
New Zealand won't lie down and get humped. They will fight until towards the end, at which point Australia should begin to pull away and reclaim the World Cup for their own once again.
Australia by 18
The Rugby League World Cup 2008 will conclude in Brisbane on Saturday. For the past month ten teams have been controversially whittled down to two, and its pretty unanamously agreed these two teams are the two best teams in the world.
New Zealand have comfortably brushed aside Papua New Guinea and England (twice) and now they face the side who beat them on day two. Australia have had an easier ride to Brisbane. They have destroyed every team that has faced them and I would not be complaining if they were eventually voted the best Australian side ever, as some critics seem to belive.
Benji Marshall will be the only player on New Zealand's side cpable of springing the biggest upset in Rugby League history, if it were possible. But the quality of Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston will be too much for the NZ halfs pairing. On top of that, Price and Petro Civoniceva will be making the hard yards for Australia backed up by Laffranchi, Gallen and Glenn Stewart. Need I talk about their three quarters?
New Zealand won't lie down and get humped. They will fight until towards the end, at which point Australia should begin to pull away and reclaim the World Cup for their own once again.
Australia by 18
Rugby League world Cup 2008 - Semi Final review
New Zealand 32-22 England
To summarise quickly, England were awful and New Zealand showed us how to play decent rugby.
Australia 52-0 Fiji
Australia dominated the game from start to finish, but I find it encouraging that Fiji didn't get star struck. They were simply outplayed but refused to give in.
To summarise quickly, England were awful and New Zealand showed us how to play decent rugby.
Australia 52-0 Fiji
Australia dominated the game from start to finish, but I find it encouraging that Fiji didn't get star struck. They were simply outplayed but refused to give in.
Friday 14 November 2008
Rugby League world Cup 2008 - Semi Final preview
New Zealand V England
According to the Sky Sports website, it seems Tony Smith is keeping his team sheet a secret up until the last moment. This is apparently keeping the players on their toes and according to Mark Calderwood is also freshening up the training sessions knowing every position is still to play for.
However, New Zealand make several changes to the side that beat England last week. Sam Perrett replaces Jason Nightingale while Simon Mannering moves into the centres to replace the injured Steve Matai. Thomas Leuleui swaps places with Nathan Fien while Nathan Cayless is brought in at the expence of Tuimavave. Sika Manu makes a welcome return for NZ wheras Sam Rapira is brought in for David Kidwell on the bench.
The only expected change for England is the return of Leon Pryce, while Ade Gardner and Danny McGuire are definatly not playing in the must win game for England to replenish some pride and hopfully a World Cup final apperance.
Prediction: New Zealand by 14
Australia V Fiji
Ricky Stuart isn't taking any chances against Fiji as he names his strongest possible side against lowly Pacific Islanders, Fiji. With 2000 a distant memory for many, it must still ring in the Australian's ears when Wales came very close to one of the biggest upsets in world sport at this stage of the competition eight years ago.
Darius Boyd, David Williams, Terry Campese, Josh Perry, Scott Price and Anthony Watmough are all dropped while Karmicheal Hunt, Brent Kite and Craig Fitzgibbon are back on the bench. In comes Petro Civoniceva, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Anthony Laffranchi while Steve Price, Paul Gallen and Isreal Folau all move up to the starting 13.
For Fiji it will be a mission Tom Cruis couldn't manage. The inspirational players such as Hayne, Naiquama, Sims and the recently discovered Uate will be called upon to lead Fiji to the slaughter. However, if they can replicate Wales from eight years ago, they will have rightfully earned their fourth place ranking in this World Cup.
Prediction: Australia by 60
According to the Sky Sports website, it seems Tony Smith is keeping his team sheet a secret up until the last moment. This is apparently keeping the players on their toes and according to Mark Calderwood is also freshening up the training sessions knowing every position is still to play for.
However, New Zealand make several changes to the side that beat England last week. Sam Perrett replaces Jason Nightingale while Simon Mannering moves into the centres to replace the injured Steve Matai. Thomas Leuleui swaps places with Nathan Fien while Nathan Cayless is brought in at the expence of Tuimavave. Sika Manu makes a welcome return for NZ wheras Sam Rapira is brought in for David Kidwell on the bench.
The only expected change for England is the return of Leon Pryce, while Ade Gardner and Danny McGuire are definatly not playing in the must win game for England to replenish some pride and hopfully a World Cup final apperance.
Prediction: New Zealand by 14
Australia V Fiji
Ricky Stuart isn't taking any chances against Fiji as he names his strongest possible side against lowly Pacific Islanders, Fiji. With 2000 a distant memory for many, it must still ring in the Australian's ears when Wales came very close to one of the biggest upsets in world sport at this stage of the competition eight years ago.
Darius Boyd, David Williams, Terry Campese, Josh Perry, Scott Price and Anthony Watmough are all dropped while Karmicheal Hunt, Brent Kite and Craig Fitzgibbon are back on the bench. In comes Petro Civoniceva, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Anthony Laffranchi while Steve Price, Paul Gallen and Isreal Folau all move up to the starting 13.
For Fiji it will be a mission Tom Cruis couldn't manage. The inspirational players such as Hayne, Naiquama, Sims and the recently discovered Uate will be called upon to lead Fiji to the slaughter. However, if they can replicate Wales from eight years ago, they will have rightfully earned their fourth place ranking in this World Cup.
Prediction: Australia by 60
Rugby League World Cup 2008 - Week Three reviewed
Scotland 0-48 Tonga
Danny 'Mel Gibson' Brough may have led Scotland to their first historic win over Fiji last time out, but his absence left a hole in the defence and zero direction in attack. The Bravehearts were a shadow of their former selves on the Central Coast up in Rockhampton this time round and shipping in 48 points showed.
Tonga meanwhile, displayed the sort of rugby that shows they can play this time round capping off an indifferent campaign. Their attitude and commitment to the World Cup over the course of the past three weeks shows they want to play international Rugby League on a regular basis and in a competitive environment.
England 24-36 New Zealand
England outplayed New Zealand. They dominated around the ruck area with Micky Higham being an inspirational metre-maker. The halfbacks had the knowledge to throw the ball around in their own half at the right time and Rob Burrow destroyed The Kiwis on their own line in attack. Even the three-quarters continually backed their teammates up whenever a break was made. It was a wonderful display of Rugby League against what many critics deem to be our equals.
So why did it all go belly up in the second half? Why did England go back to the one dimensional tactics that saw us get over 50 points shipped past us in Melbourne? With a 24-8 lead, what was so difficult in continuing to put New Zealand on the back foot again and again like we did in the first half hour? It was such a wonderful collapse that a demolition crew would be impressed.
But despite the lack in concentration, England can take away from the game the posetives of the first half and to beat New Zealand next week, it is essential we apply those posetives for the full eighty minutes in the semi final.
France 10-42 Samoa
Using their third hooker in three games, France did a Scotland for just about seventy minutes of the game and failed to show up. Thomas Bosc led a French revolution late on but the damage was done and being assessed by the Samoans by the time France got their act together.
Nonetheless, it was nice to see another dominant Pacific display and further evidence a Pacific Nations Cup must be ressurected to ensure the growth of the international game in these countries.
Australia 46-6 Papua New Guinea
David Williams may have stole the show for Australia with a debut hat trick, but the limelight went to Stanley Gene after his final international game for The Kumuls.
Scott Price also put his name in the air for the semi finals after a two try display at scrum half partnering another debutant, Terry Campese. But the second story of the game was Papua New Guinea's attitude and determination not to let Australia run away with the game. But the reality is, it was their determination and attitude that often backfired on them, revealing their inexperience which Australia exposed.
But fair play to The Kumuls for turning up. They wern't happy about the draw, but of all the nations outside the 'top three' they can hold their heads up high the most on the return journey home.
Fiji 30-14 Ireland
Of the three home nations that participated in this World Cup, only Ireland can go home saying they have given their all in every game. They showed once again the courage, attitude, determination and spirit they possess despite being outplayed by a Fijian side that has made history by making the semi finals.
Both sides were against the odds according to me and many other critics, who said that Ireland would finish bottom of Pool C and Fiji would come second to France. Well, this World Cup has proven how unpredictable the sport is and how the right attitude will enable you to beat anybody.
Danny 'Mel Gibson' Brough may have led Scotland to their first historic win over Fiji last time out, but his absence left a hole in the defence and zero direction in attack. The Bravehearts were a shadow of their former selves on the Central Coast up in Rockhampton this time round and shipping in 48 points showed.
Tonga meanwhile, displayed the sort of rugby that shows they can play this time round capping off an indifferent campaign. Their attitude and commitment to the World Cup over the course of the past three weeks shows they want to play international Rugby League on a regular basis and in a competitive environment.
England 24-36 New Zealand
England outplayed New Zealand. They dominated around the ruck area with Micky Higham being an inspirational metre-maker. The halfbacks had the knowledge to throw the ball around in their own half at the right time and Rob Burrow destroyed The Kiwis on their own line in attack. Even the three-quarters continually backed their teammates up whenever a break was made. It was a wonderful display of Rugby League against what many critics deem to be our equals.
So why did it all go belly up in the second half? Why did England go back to the one dimensional tactics that saw us get over 50 points shipped past us in Melbourne? With a 24-8 lead, what was so difficult in continuing to put New Zealand on the back foot again and again like we did in the first half hour? It was such a wonderful collapse that a demolition crew would be impressed.
But despite the lack in concentration, England can take away from the game the posetives of the first half and to beat New Zealand next week, it is essential we apply those posetives for the full eighty minutes in the semi final.
France 10-42 Samoa
Using their third hooker in three games, France did a Scotland for just about seventy minutes of the game and failed to show up. Thomas Bosc led a French revolution late on but the damage was done and being assessed by the Samoans by the time France got their act together.
Nonetheless, it was nice to see another dominant Pacific display and further evidence a Pacific Nations Cup must be ressurected to ensure the growth of the international game in these countries.
Australia 46-6 Papua New Guinea
David Williams may have stole the show for Australia with a debut hat trick, but the limelight went to Stanley Gene after his final international game for The Kumuls.
Scott Price also put his name in the air for the semi finals after a two try display at scrum half partnering another debutant, Terry Campese. But the second story of the game was Papua New Guinea's attitude and determination not to let Australia run away with the game. But the reality is, it was their determination and attitude that often backfired on them, revealing their inexperience which Australia exposed.
But fair play to The Kumuls for turning up. They wern't happy about the draw, but of all the nations outside the 'top three' they can hold their heads up high the most on the return journey home.
Fiji 30-14 Ireland
Of the three home nations that participated in this World Cup, only Ireland can go home saying they have given their all in every game. They showed once again the courage, attitude, determination and spirit they possess despite being outplayed by a Fijian side that has made history by making the semi finals.
Both sides were against the odds according to me and many other critics, who said that Ireland would finish bottom of Pool C and Fiji would come second to France. Well, this World Cup has proven how unpredictable the sport is and how the right attitude will enable you to beat anybody.
Friday 7 November 2008
Rugby League World Cup - Final B & C games reviewed AND week three preview
Ireland 34 – 16 Samoa
Luck of the Irish game gave Pat Richards a hat trick, a record point tally in a World Cup game and took Ireland into the semi final qualifier on Monday. Samoa started the stronger side with several attacks on the Irish line within the first ten minutes. But Ireland scored first which seemed to demoralise the Samoans and it took them time to recompose themselves, by which time the damage was too much to repair.
Stunned Samoa had another string of chances on the Irish line midway through the second half. They dominated when in attack but couldn’t get past a determined defence. Not only that, but Ireland forced them into errors putting them under more pressure as they tried to drag back the deficit to less than six points, enough to send them through as group winners on points difference.
No doubt Ireland deserved their win. They were the better side and wanted to win more than Samoa. With needing to score and win, Ireland’s mind set was based on attacking the Samoans, whereas Nigel Vagana’s side only had to prevent their opponents from scoring a converted try. Therefore, the game was won mentally before either side stepped onto the pitch.
Scotland 18-16 Fiji
This game had everything. Biff, speed, skill, drama, passion and a re-write in history. Scotland won a World Cup game for the first time against Fiji in dramatic style. With eight minutes remaining and scores level, Fiji scored in the corner. However, three minutes later Scotland crossed the whitewash on a benefit of the doubt ruling. Danny Brough converted the try to edge the Scots ahead.
It was without doubt the game of the tournament so far and had me hooked for the whole eighty minutes. The fight involving Ian Henderson was truly one of the best all season. The neither player backed down with the Fijian loose forward getting a few good punches to the head of Henderson.
But the win does not secure Scotland’s place in the semi final qualifier. A 28 point winning margin was needed to set up an all British match, but Scotland can now take on Tonga with pride and walk away knowing they have done Scottish Rugby League proud.
And so with five games and all teams involved as we head into the third week of this tournament, a quick preview of this weekend’s games is in order.
Scotland V Tonga
Scotland will be on a high after their win over Fiji. Tonga go into this game on the back of a loss to rivals Samoa.
Prediction: Scotland by 6
England V New Zealand
Improvement is needed for England after last weeks mauling by Australia. New Zealand go into the game after a comfortable win over Papua New Guinea, but still possess a strong line up capable of challenging England.
Prediction: New Zealand by 18
France V Samoa
France will be disappointed not progressing any further in this competition and finishing bottom of their pool. Samoa will no doubt feel the same after their loss to Ireland, especially as they were heading the group before Wednesday.
Prediction: Samoa by 12
Australia V Papua New Guinea
With Darren Lockyer and a host of other regular starting players rested, Australia will not in any way shape or form be weakened. Players will be playing for places in the knockout stages so still expect the Aussies to stuff the brave Papuans. A shock win for PNG will see them progress to the semis if England lose by over fourteen points or PNG win by that amount.
Prediction: Australia by 48
Fiji V Ireland
Ireland will be on a high as well after their win against Samoa. Fiji shouldn’t be demoralised by their close loss to Scotland, but who knows what will happen in this tournament outside Pool A.
Prediction: Fiji by 2
Luck of the Irish game gave Pat Richards a hat trick, a record point tally in a World Cup game and took Ireland into the semi final qualifier on Monday. Samoa started the stronger side with several attacks on the Irish line within the first ten minutes. But Ireland scored first which seemed to demoralise the Samoans and it took them time to recompose themselves, by which time the damage was too much to repair.
Stunned Samoa had another string of chances on the Irish line midway through the second half. They dominated when in attack but couldn’t get past a determined defence. Not only that, but Ireland forced them into errors putting them under more pressure as they tried to drag back the deficit to less than six points, enough to send them through as group winners on points difference.
No doubt Ireland deserved their win. They were the better side and wanted to win more than Samoa. With needing to score and win, Ireland’s mind set was based on attacking the Samoans, whereas Nigel Vagana’s side only had to prevent their opponents from scoring a converted try. Therefore, the game was won mentally before either side stepped onto the pitch.
Scotland 18-16 Fiji
This game had everything. Biff, speed, skill, drama, passion and a re-write in history. Scotland won a World Cup game for the first time against Fiji in dramatic style. With eight minutes remaining and scores level, Fiji scored in the corner. However, three minutes later Scotland crossed the whitewash on a benefit of the doubt ruling. Danny Brough converted the try to edge the Scots ahead.
It was without doubt the game of the tournament so far and had me hooked for the whole eighty minutes. The fight involving Ian Henderson was truly one of the best all season. The neither player backed down with the Fijian loose forward getting a few good punches to the head of Henderson.
But the win does not secure Scotland’s place in the semi final qualifier. A 28 point winning margin was needed to set up an all British match, but Scotland can now take on Tonga with pride and walk away knowing they have done Scottish Rugby League proud.
And so with five games and all teams involved as we head into the third week of this tournament, a quick preview of this weekend’s games is in order.
Scotland V Tonga
Scotland will be on a high after their win over Fiji. Tonga go into this game on the back of a loss to rivals Samoa.
Prediction: Scotland by 6
England V New Zealand
Improvement is needed for England after last weeks mauling by Australia. New Zealand go into the game after a comfortable win over Papua New Guinea, but still possess a strong line up capable of challenging England.
Prediction: New Zealand by 18
France V Samoa
France will be disappointed not progressing any further in this competition and finishing bottom of their pool. Samoa will no doubt feel the same after their loss to Ireland, especially as they were heading the group before Wednesday.
Prediction: Samoa by 12
Australia V Papua New Guinea
With Darren Lockyer and a host of other regular starting players rested, Australia will not in any way shape or form be weakened. Players will be playing for places in the knockout stages so still expect the Aussies to stuff the brave Papuans. A shock win for PNG will see them progress to the semis if England lose by over fourteen points or PNG win by that amount.
Prediction: Australia by 48
Fiji V Ireland
Ireland will be on a high as well after their win against Samoa. Fiji shouldn’t be demoralised by their close loss to Scotland, but who knows what will happen in this tournament outside Pool A.
Prediction: Fiji by 2
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Rugby League World Cup 2008 final Pool B & C games previewed.
Ireland V Samoa
An 11 point or more win will see defiantly see Ireland into the next stage of the World Cup, and with their display against Tonga added to the team spirit in the camp there is a real possibility of this happening. Having had a coaching session by Andrew Johns leading up to the game tomorrow and the entire team getting tattoos as a sign of team spirit, the Irish couldn’t be more motivated to succeed and prove the critics wrong.
Samoa will go into this game as favourites though. They look the strongest on paper and came away with a promising win over Tonga on Friday. But the short five day turn around in preparation to this game may not be enough compared to a team that has had a week and a half rest period. In any other scenario, Samoa should carve Ireland apart. But Irish spirit, motivation and a lengthy rest period between matches could see a close competitive game.
Prediction: Samoa by 6
Scotland V Fiji
Scotland must have been worried watching Fiji tear France apart on Saturday. However, the same question applies with Fiji about Samoa. How will the short turnaround in preparing for this game affect their performance against a side that has had a longer wait than Ireland for this match? Also, how much has the France game on Saturday taken out of the faithful Fijians? That said, I thought Scotland buckled late on against France on day two of this tournament. To beat Fiji it will take a massive turnaround, but its one they have been preparing for over a week for.
Fiji can’t go into this game complacent of winning. That is despite a heavily scoring match against France. However, it seems likely that whatever the result tomorrow Fiji will go through to face the winners of Pool C on points difference. Scotland have to make up a 56 point deficit to get to the semi final qualifier, which for me is way too much.
Prediction: Fiji by 20
An 11 point or more win will see defiantly see Ireland into the next stage of the World Cup, and with their display against Tonga added to the team spirit in the camp there is a real possibility of this happening. Having had a coaching session by Andrew Johns leading up to the game tomorrow and the entire team getting tattoos as a sign of team spirit, the Irish couldn’t be more motivated to succeed and prove the critics wrong.
Samoa will go into this game as favourites though. They look the strongest on paper and came away with a promising win over Tonga on Friday. But the short five day turn around in preparation to this game may not be enough compared to a team that has had a week and a half rest period. In any other scenario, Samoa should carve Ireland apart. But Irish spirit, motivation and a lengthy rest period between matches could see a close competitive game.
Prediction: Samoa by 6
Scotland V Fiji
Scotland must have been worried watching Fiji tear France apart on Saturday. However, the same question applies with Fiji about Samoa. How will the short turnaround in preparing for this game affect their performance against a side that has had a longer wait than Ireland for this match? Also, how much has the France game on Saturday taken out of the faithful Fijians? That said, I thought Scotland buckled late on against France on day two of this tournament. To beat Fiji it will take a massive turnaround, but its one they have been preparing for over a week for.
Fiji can’t go into this game complacent of winning. That is despite a heavily scoring match against France. However, it seems likely that whatever the result tomorrow Fiji will go through to face the winners of Pool C on points difference. Scotland have to make up a 56 point deficit to get to the semi final qualifier, which for me is way too much.
Prediction: Fiji by 20
Monday 3 November 2008
Rugby League World Cup 2008 week two review.
Samoa 20-12 Tonga
Samoa dominated the much anticipated Battle of the Pacific with an eight point victory over their Tongan rivals. Samoa never really looked like losing this game despite being behind for a brief spell in the second half. Samoa won the game with solid defence in the second half. In fact, Tonga failed to score in the final forty minutes. It was a bruising affair that dragged the Penrith crowed into the stands. Even the crowed had as much passion as the players. Nigel Vagana called for sides like Samoa to play more international RL. If this game is anything to go by, I’m fully behind him.
Fiji 42-6 France
The French will not know what hit them going into what could be their final week of the tournament after having had forty points shipped past them in Wollongong on Saturday. Everyone expected France to put the faithful Fijians to the sword, but the reality was the complete opposite. Jarryd Hayne opened the scoring and scored another ten minutes from time. Parramatta fans will want to know where this form has been all season.
But the story of the match was seeing a strong and majority full time Catalan side lose heavily to a majority amateur team who went into this game knowing they had little to lose. On this performance, Fiji look confident of progressing to the semi final qualifier, most likely against Samoa, but don’t bet against Ireland just yet if this World Cup is anything to go by.
New Zealand 48-6 Papua New Guinea
With one match to play, could it be a game too far for Papua New Guinea? Adrian Lam publically said he was putting a lot, if not all his efforts into beating England. After proudly failing to do so, is it all downhill now for The Kumuls? This performance suggested that that would be the case.
Benji Marshall actually looked a different player to what he did in Sydney the week before. He got New Zealand to the safe position of qualifying for the semi finals before being brought off as a precaution. No doubt Stephen Kearney and Wayne Bennett are saving him for England on Saturday.
Australia 52-4 England
Where did it all go wrong for England? Although I suppose an easier question would be where did it go right? The answer, it didn’t. Tony Smith was succumbed to his first defeat as national coach, and it proved to be England’s worst in a World Cup. Every kick went to Slater. Every bounce went the Aussies way, who moved up as a defensive line ten times faster and did the same on kick chases from Price and Lockyer. Both had perfect games with the boot in general play.
Whereas England did the exact opposite. They came across as intimidated by the Australian line, and the one decent chance of scoring we had on their line contained poor passes and the tactical awareness of a drunken chimp. Basically, we were given a master class in Rugby League. Even I don’t know where to start in recollecting the pieces.
England must improve. A loss by New Zealand of 14 points of more, added to a PNG win on Sunday can see them on the next flight home.
Samoa dominated the much anticipated Battle of the Pacific with an eight point victory over their Tongan rivals. Samoa never really looked like losing this game despite being behind for a brief spell in the second half. Samoa won the game with solid defence in the second half. In fact, Tonga failed to score in the final forty minutes. It was a bruising affair that dragged the Penrith crowed into the stands. Even the crowed had as much passion as the players. Nigel Vagana called for sides like Samoa to play more international RL. If this game is anything to go by, I’m fully behind him.
Fiji 42-6 France
The French will not know what hit them going into what could be their final week of the tournament after having had forty points shipped past them in Wollongong on Saturday. Everyone expected France to put the faithful Fijians to the sword, but the reality was the complete opposite. Jarryd Hayne opened the scoring and scored another ten minutes from time. Parramatta fans will want to know where this form has been all season.
But the story of the match was seeing a strong and majority full time Catalan side lose heavily to a majority amateur team who went into this game knowing they had little to lose. On this performance, Fiji look confident of progressing to the semi final qualifier, most likely against Samoa, but don’t bet against Ireland just yet if this World Cup is anything to go by.
New Zealand 48-6 Papua New Guinea
With one match to play, could it be a game too far for Papua New Guinea? Adrian Lam publically said he was putting a lot, if not all his efforts into beating England. After proudly failing to do so, is it all downhill now for The Kumuls? This performance suggested that that would be the case.
Benji Marshall actually looked a different player to what he did in Sydney the week before. He got New Zealand to the safe position of qualifying for the semi finals before being brought off as a precaution. No doubt Stephen Kearney and Wayne Bennett are saving him for England on Saturday.
Australia 52-4 England
Where did it all go wrong for England? Although I suppose an easier question would be where did it go right? The answer, it didn’t. Tony Smith was succumbed to his first defeat as national coach, and it proved to be England’s worst in a World Cup. Every kick went to Slater. Every bounce went the Aussies way, who moved up as a defensive line ten times faster and did the same on kick chases from Price and Lockyer. Both had perfect games with the boot in general play.
Whereas England did the exact opposite. They came across as intimidated by the Australian line, and the one decent chance of scoring we had on their line contained poor passes and the tactical awareness of a drunken chimp. Basically, we were given a master class in Rugby League. Even I don’t know where to start in recollecting the pieces.
England must improve. A loss by New Zealand of 14 points of more, added to a PNG win on Sunday can see them on the next flight home.
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