Game One: Red hot favourites Australia took on the Samoan team that had yet to show much. In a sticky Darwin (of all places) the Kangaroos took control of the first half and led 30-0 at the break. The second half was more even on the scoreboard but Samoa were clearly out of their depth. A milestone was achieved when Australian player V Holmes scored a WC record five tries in one match.
Final score: Australia 46-0 Samoa. Attendance: 13,473 (capacity).
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Game Two: Mate Ma'a Tonga were favourites to beat the Lebanon and much of the first half they were better, although the Cedars kept in touch on the score board. 22-16 was the half time result, with Tonga somewhat nervously looking over their collective shoulder.
The second period was tight with Lebanon getting the only second half try. A penalty goal was the difference as the tiring Tonga team was nearly caught. A fine match.
Final score: Tonga 24-22 Lebanon. Attendance: 8,309.
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Game Three: The second Saturday game had hosts New Zealand taking on Fiji. It was never a sure thing but but the Kiwis were expected to prevail. Fiji pinned their opponents back in the first half with a good kicking game and fierce defence. The problem Fiji had was turning territorial advantage into points. The 2-2 scoreline was the score when they changed directions.
In the second half it threatened to open up but in truth neither side was very creative on attack, with defence dominating. Another penalty and a huge upset was the result. This was the lowest equal RL WC points scored in the 222 WC games played so far. Back in 1970, Great Britain defeated France 6-0, with three penalty goals in apparently poor weather conditions. This was on a much finer day.
Final score: Fiji 4-2 NZ. Attendance: 12,713.
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Game Four: PNG have been good at home but how would they go when they travel? Would England have enough class to prove victorious over a quickly emerging second tier nation? The final match of the quarter finals would answer those questions.
In the first half, England scored a couple of slick tries as they ran up a 14-0 lead. For the second half, England proved too good and won comfortably despite numerous error creeping into their game, yet again. PNG had a great tournament but didn't have the class to go further.
Final score: England 36-6 PNG. Attendance: 10,563.
For the Group Stage Summary, please click here.
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