Rugby League World Cup Week 2, Tips and Previews
Australia vs. Scotland
October 22nd
While Australia had a comprehensive victory over Fiji in its tournament opener, it wasn’t quite as big a margin as predicted. Still, it might just be the team calibrating itself after a big NRL season.
They conceded the first and last tries of the game but still ran out 42-8 winners. Coach Mal Meninga has foreshadowed some wholesale changes to the team for this week’s game, with six players expected to debut for the Kangaroos, including Penrith star Nathan Cleary who must be living an absolute whirlwind after winning a second consecutive premiership for the Panthers, only a few weeks ago.
They are facing a Scotland team reeling from a surprise loss to Italy last week and may be ripe for the picking this week. If they are to improve from that performance, they need more from Calum Gahan and Bailey Hayward, who were both sloppy at times in the loss to the Azzuri. But even if the Scotland team brings their best, they will be no match for the tournament favourites.
SUGGESTED BET:
Valentine Holmes to score two tries at $2.38
Fiji vs. Italy
October 23rd
The Rugby League world took notice of Fiji last week, especially after scoring the first try against the all-conquering Australian team. They were inconsistent after that, but there were plenty of positive signs to indicate they might be capable of making a splash in this tournament. Sunia Turuva, Sitiveni Moceidreke and Brandon Wakeham were among the best for the Fijians, who took on a confident Italian team that quickly saw off Scotland in its opener.
Jake Maizen will be the main focus for the Italians after notching a hat trick last week, but he will be in for more attention from a physical Fiji side. But the Azzuri will be anything but meek and mild with the hard-nosed Nathan Brown leading the way, especially if things get heated.
This game will go a long way to deciding who can secure second place in Group B behind Australia and Italy at the line might be the way to go.
SUGGESTED BET:
Italy +16.5 at $1.85
England vs. France
October 23rd
After the tournament’s first week, the host nation is one of the biggest movers, smashing Samoa in a surprise win.
Jack Welsby and George Williams showed they would be a force in this year’s World Cup, as will pacy winger Dominic Young.
Elliott Whitehead looks to be a difficult match-up for the French team after doing as he pleased at times against Samoa.
But they don’t have a live kill on their hands here, with France making every post a winner in their 34-12 win over Greece.
They have one eye on securing Group A but need another epic performance from Benjamin Garcia and Benjamin Jullien if they are to secure an unlikely win here.
