The Rugby League World Cup is a men’s rugby league tournament where the world’s top national representative teams compete. The event is organized and hosted by the International Rugby League. It was first played in France in 1954. It is now the most important rugby league tournament in the world. This year’s edition will be the tenth.
New Zealand’s shock 28-4 mauling of Scotland
Scotland suffered a stunning 28-4 defeat against Italy on Saturday at Kingston Park, with both teams carrying impressive blue kits. New Zealand had come into the tournament as the top team in the world, but they looked much more vulnerable than their rivals. Both sides had trouble defending the ball and allowing their opponents to move it around. The game’s first point came from Kenny Bromwich, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona scored another. New Zealand’s third try came from Peta Hiku, who burrowed under the opposition’s defense and stretched their lead to 18-6.
The Kiwis had a slow start, but they were hard to contain once they were on their feet. A strong performance from Joseph Manu at fullback was key. The team was massive underdogs, but they played patient football and took advantage of a defensive blunder by Lebanon’s captain, Josh Mansour.
While Australia looked better in general, Scotland was far from convincing. The Bravehearts had struggled for much of the match and only managed one play ball inside the Australian 20-meter zone over the 80 minutes. In addition, their opening kick was a disaster, and Australia scored two tries in as many minutes.
Wales had won the World Cup three times before the match against New Zealand. In 1994, they won 164-13 against Singapore. In the same tournament, Australia won 153-3 against Chinese Taipei. In 2003, the All Blacks won eight successive test matches. After that, they beat Scotland and England to win the World Cup in the second phase.
Italy’s first hat trick in the 28-4 mauling of Scotland
Italy’s winger Jake Maizen scored his first hat trick against Scotland in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday. He also ran for 222 meters, joining fellow winger Daniel Atkinson in the leading yardage-makers category. The Italians also made an impressive 80 percent of sets and missed just 33 tackles out of 318. The victory leaves Italy in the hunt for a historic quarter-final spot. On the other hand, Scotland needs to cause an upset to maintain their hopes of progressing further in the tournament.
Scotland’s captain, Dale Ferguson, was suspended after a dangerous tackle on Daniel Atkinson. But the Scots responded with a consolation try. The Super League players, including Lachlan Walmsley and Ryan Brierley, produced superb try-saving tackles to keep the score close to four.
Scotland’s only try came from Lachlan Walmsley, while Italy’s wingers were ineffective, spilling passes. While Scotland had started as favorites to advance to the World Cup, they failed to impress and will likely finish bottom. Jake Mazen scored his first hat trick in the tournament, while Dean Parata and Luke Polselli switched to Italy. The Azzurri could have edged the Scots even further with their impressive play.
Scotland and Italy are in Group B, where Italy and Wales are the underdogs. However, both teams have proven that they are not to be taken lightly. The Scots reached the quarter-finals of the 2013 World Cup, where they drew with Italy and beat Tonga. They also drew with Samoa in Cairns last year and held New Zealand in the 2016 Four Nations.
Jamaica’s first international match since 2004
The team is coming off two defeats, one at home and one away, but the team’s recent success can’t be overlooked. The regional four-day side last lost to Barbados in February 2010 but has since been on a roll, including a 93-run win over Trinidad & Tobago last week. The side has won 13 consecutive matches, breaking a West Indies record.
Jamaica’s technical staff is largely similar to that of T&T. The coach, Junior Bennett, has been instrumental in developing some of the country’s best players. His St Elizabeth Technical High School is the dominant school in Jamaica, home to Jerome Taylor and the other key players. His assistant coach is Dave Bernard Sr., a former footballer, and soldier who has kept the team consistent and injury-free.
Jamaica’s first appearance in a FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament is historical. Jamaica was the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the tournament. After beating Panama in a CONCACAF Women’s Championship in Frisco, the Reggae Girlz earned a third berth, and their coach was named the CONCACAF Women’s Coach of the Year.
The first international game for Jamaica was against neighboring Haiti in 1925. The president of the United Sporting Society, Andre Chevalon, invited the team to Haiti to play a three-match series, which they won 6-0. They continued to play Haiti regularly, and the two teams have played each other several times since.
England’s qualification for the 2022 Rugby League World Cup
England may face Tonga in the quarter-finals of this year’s Rugby League World Cup. The tournament will be held in England from October 15 to November 19, 2022. In addition to the men’s competition, there will be competitions for women and wheelchair players.
The World Cup is a great tournament, and it comes at a time when the international rugby league is hoping to make a bigger splash than in recent years. Although England’s chances of success are low in the men’s and women’s games, their chances of advancing are higher in the wheelchair game.
Young’s incredible form will keep England fans excited about their chances in this year’s Rugby League World Cup. He has scored four tries in two World Cup matches and has become a fan favorite. His try against France on Friday had a nation on its feet and excited about their chances of bringing home the trophy.
England’s victory over Samoa has been a big boost for the English rugby league team. They are now in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals of this Rugby League World Cup, but the final will present more difficult challenges. The victory over Samoa was essential to avoid a defeat and a loss. It also means England is on track to top Group A, which will help them in the knockout stage.
Two other teams could challenge Australia in the Rugby League World Cup. Australia won the tournament in 2017 and will be facing tough competition in the tournament next year from Samoa, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.