2021 World Cup Qualifiers - Play-Off Matches

The final sides to make the 2021 tournament came together to find out who would be participating. The games were played in late 2019.

Group A:

26th October Spain vs Ireland. Xàtiva, Spain

This was a step up for Spain and an indicator as to where they are at. Spain worked hard but were outplayed by a more experienced side. A late flurry of scoring by Ireland gave the impression of a more one sided contest than it was.

Ireland 42-8 Spain

2nd November Italy vs Spain. Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy

In a close first half, Italy led 14-4 at the break. Shortly after resumption, Italy had a player sent off but went on to win well in the end.

Italy 34-4 Spain

9th November Ireland vs Italy. Dublin, Ireland

The final match was a dead rubber with both already securing a World Cup berth but it did decide ranking for the WC. In wet conditions took a handy lead in the first half and won convincingly.

Ireland 25-4 Italy

Group B:

26th October Scotland vs Serbia. Glasgow, Scotland

This was always likely to be a one sided affair and so it proved. Serbia are relatively new to the game and it showed when the half time score was 0-56. It got slightly better in the second half but not by very much.

Scotland 86-0 Serbia

1st November Greece vs Scotland. London, England

Due to a farcical situation in Greece, the team cannot play there so it was help in London. The match itself was a tight one with the scores tied at 24-24 with 15 minutes to play. However, Scotland confirmed their WC slot with a fine win.

Scotland 42-24 Greece

Greece vs Serbia (Pic RLEF)

9th November Serbia vs Greece. Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia were a long shot at winning this one although they did open the scoring. After that is was one way traffic as Greece took control of proceedings. The half time score was 46-6. Serbia were game but are not ready for the WC yet, while Greece qualified for the first time.

Greece 82-6 Serbia

WC Repechage:

16th November USA vs Cook Is. Jacksonville, USA

It may seem a David and Goliath match up but the Cook Is Kukis have many players in NZ and Australia to call on so were got favourites to knock the USA Hawks out. The USA had been to the previous two tournaments but a loss to Jamaica put them in this predicament.

In a tight first period, the Kukis led 12-10 as they changed ends but went on to win well as expected. the Cook Is go to the WC while the USA will rue their missing out.

Cook Is 38-16 USA