The Third round of the RL WC 2021 has nearly been completed. I've been watching closely and here are my candid observations which I will share. Some games are still to be played, updated soon.
Group A:
England 94-4 Greece.
Greece had an amazing journey to get here but was no chance. However, a clunky England and a polished Greece effort had the score only 10-4 to England after 20 minutes. Then England got into gear and the scoreline raced to 44-4 by half time.
Greece was brave but part timers and amateurs were always going to struggle with the pace of the game and the final score reflected that. Not a perfect game by England and next week(s) will test them.
Samoa 62-4 France.
Could the French team put off an upset against a disappointing Samoa? The latter started better and took an early 16-0 lead. France came back but couldn't convert anything into points. Then Samoa came back and suddenly the half time score of 28-0.
The second half didn't change anything, France showing little penetration and Samoa turning both chances and half chances into points. The scoreline didn't reflect the effort France put in but the modern game is ruthless like that.
Group B:
Australia 66-6 Italy.
Another big victory on the cards but it was 'only' 20-0 after the first 30 minutes. Then a couple of tries on half time had it blow out to 30-0 at the turn around. The UK ref was in awe of the Kangaroos as usual.
The second half was a continuance with Italy scoring a slick try. The ref continued with his 'never give the lesser side an even break' mentality. I sped through some of the second half due to that. Italy worked hard and deserved better officiating.
Fiji 30-14 Scotland. (Picture above).
A comfortable win for Fiji Bati was on the cards, a slippery ground perhaps a bit of a leveler. The scoreline of 12-4 to Fiji after 30 minutes and 18-8 at the break was a nice surprise for the Bravehearts. With better goal kicking for Scotland...
Scotland having a player sin binned for an accidental high hit cost them. With 15 minutes to go, the score was an amazing 24-14 and as the game started to get feisty one from each side was sin binned. Scotland have been so poor this tournament but this was a level or two up for them. Fiji didn't seem to cope so well with the wet conditions.
Group C:
Lebanon 74-12 Jamaica.
The less fancied Jamaica started brightly but once the Cedars got hold of the ball, they were slick. They led 30-0 at the quarter mark as Jamaica's defensive frailties were harshly exposed. Jamaica expertly regained the ball from their numerous kick offs but their attacking forays were effectively dealt with.
Lebanon had a player sin binned at the end of the first half for a cheap shot. 42-0 at the half time hooter.
Lebanon took off their leading player for the second stanza with an eye on next week. Despite being a player down, Lebanon was still in control. Then suddenly a length of the field try got the Reggae Warriors on the scoreboard. They got another too but unfortunately for them kept conceding
New Zealand 48-10 Ireland.
The Kiwis were hot favourites but for the first 15 minutes it was the Wolfhounds that lead, albeit by two points. Five minutes later it was 10-2 to NZ. After 30 minutes it was 16-6 so not the score most expected. 24-6 was the turn around score.
The Kiwis took control, helped by some 'kindly' calls by the referee and Ireland having some head injuries reducing their bench. 44-6 with about a quarter of the match to play looked ominous. However, a clunky NZ effort limited the damage.
The sport is supposed to be cleaning up itself regarding head shots, but this game showed its resolve - at this tournament at least - on this is unacceptably feeble.
Group D:
Tonga 92-10 Cook Is.
The favoured Tongan team scored quickly but then a 'try' to the Kukis was denied which I thought it was OK. Anyway, Tonga stamped their authority on the game and the scores were soon rattling up. 52-0 at the half way point!
The second half had the Kukis getting a few points but they couldn't handle the Tongan forwards throughout and paid the price. The Cook Is coach said they just didn't turn up and apologised for the performance.
PNG 36-0 Wales.
PNG wanted to confirm their place in the next round with Wales an outside chance with a big score win. The rain poured down, making handling difficult. Still, PNG soon showed their class while Wales struggled to put pressure on their opponent. By half time, it was 24-0 to the Kumuls with Wales looking naive at times.
The second half was better for Wales but I don't know how long the game would have to been played for them to score. Solid defence by PNG and clunky attack by Wales ensured PNG didn't concede.
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