Rugby League World Cup Semi Finals, Tips and Previews
Australia vs. New Zealand
November 12th
Two titans of Rugby League will meet for their first World Cup clash in nine years. This is a tournament that is hard to get an accurate read on form with so many one-sided games, and with the Trans Tasman rivals both undefeated so far, it is hard to pick holes in either team.
The Kangaroos have a deep squad that has shown no flaws in its three comprehensive wins. So deep that coach Mal Meninga can’t find a spot for veteran Daly Cherry-Evans in the line-up.
Nathan Cleary and Valentine Holmes have been two of the best players in the World Cup and take in a hot streak of form that dates back to the NRL finals two months ago. Josh Ado-Carr is riding high from the five tries he scored in their most recent win over Lebanon, and Isaah Yeo is covering as much ground as anyone at the moment.
But New Zealand is a far different beast from what the Australians have faced, and there will be a physicality, intensity and a born desire to beat anything green and gold in the Kiwis.
They had to do it the hard way in last weekend’s win over Fiji, coming from behind to see off a brave opponent 24-18.
The competitive edge required to win that may work in New Zealand’s favour as they could be better conditioned now.
Briton Nikora and Ronaldo Mulitalo stood up when it counted, and while Fiji could lament a dubious referee decision that was crucial in deciding the result, it amounts to nothing.
New Zealand has won this tournament once before, in 2008, and will be eager to add to the trophy cabinet, but it is hard to see Australia dropping this.
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England vs. Samoa
November 13th
The last time these met a month ago, England made a strong statement, sending the favourites packing 60-6 in front of a home crowd.
The Samoans have regrouped with a string of victories, the most recent being a nail-biting over rivals Tonga to win through to the semis.
Stephen Crichton’s deadly kicking and ability to get the ball over the line is the key if Samoa is to get revenge on the English team here. He was crucial to last weekend’s win, and if he can replicate that performance with support from the damaging Anthony Milford and Jarome Luai, they have every chance of winning through.
But they have to handle themselves better on enemy territory than they did last time.
England hasn’t put a foot wrong so far, and the closest they have been run was a 42-18 point win over France. Tommy Makinson is the man to stop, but good luck finding a way. His five tries and five successful kicks for goal had Papua New Guinea left in his dust, and he is every chance to repeat his dominant performance here to win through to a home final.
