International Results : 2018 October (Friendly)

A busy month for International RL. I think it would be fair to say it has never been busier. This is only the games not associated with tournaments such as World Cup Qualifiers or regional competitions.

7th October, Belgrade, Serbia:

Serbia 2-54 France

The match was to commemorate two things. First, it was the 65th anniversary of RL in the country when two French sides visited to launch the sport. Then the centenary when French and Serbian forces liberated the country. The match itself was unsurprisingly favouring the visitors, who went in at the break 26-2. It was a good run out for Serbia, preparing for World Cup qualification matches.

12th October. Sydney, Australia:

Italy 18-8 South Africa

The Italian side was without some top players but still had a large pool to choose from. South Africa is trying to grow its success in international RL. In a tight game in wet conditions, Italy led 12-0 at the break with two converted tries. However, with 10 minutes to go, the Rhinos had come back with two unconverted tries and only trailed 8-12. A late converted try to the Azzurri secured the victory.

13th October, Auckland, NZ:

New Zealand 24-22 Australia

Australia were hot favourites to win this won and after a close first half, the visitors did indeed lead 12-8 although rather fortuitously. The Kiwis roared into the lead in the second period to lead 26-12 only to have to weather a late rally.

17th October, Leigh, England:

England 44-6 France

Both sides went into the fixture missing many top players but it's a fixture that should be encouraged. The timing of the game wasn't ideal but there were few options. It could have been promoted better though.

England took control from the off and raced to a 38-0 lead. This included a hat-trick in a 14 minute spell for Tom Johnstone. The second spell was shared 6-6, a relief as everyone wanted to see a competitive outing by France.

England v France. 

Picture source: Sky Sport UK.

20th October, Auckland, NZ:

Australia 34-16 Tonga

A packed stadium in a neutral venue (well, a lot of Tongans call Auckland home) came to see the passion of this small Pacific Island nation take on the mighty Kangaroos. The match soon got away from Tonga as a clinical Australia took control and lead 30-10 at halftime. Things were closer in the second period but not in a way that threatened to change the outcome.

20th October, Brisbane, Australia:

El Salvador 48-10 Colombia

These are two nations new to the game. It was made up of people living in Australia who originate from these nations. The victors scored nine tries to two and while I haven't got a summary of the match, the score tells it all really.

27th October, Sydney, Australia:

Italy 36-32 Niue

With Samoa pulling out of the fixture, Niue agreed at short notice to play. In a close first half, Niue led just 22-18 at the turn around and led with moments left to play. However, the Azzurri scored right on full time to snatch a dramatic victory.