The second round of the RL WC 2021 has nearly been completed. I've seen every match in full and have a few observations to share.
Group A:
England 42-18 France.
The hosts were hot favourites against a youthful France and were up 18-0 in quick time. Then France got a roll on and turned opportunities into points. The 18-12 half time score was a surprise although I never felt France had enough to win.
The second half started like the first with England taking control but France was playing with more belief despite falling behind on the scoresheet. England won't win the WC against the top sides on that performance and France has a chance to make the next round on theirs.
Samoa 72-4 Greece.
A star studded Samoa was hurting after a shocking defeat, taking on a team at their first World Cup. It didn't look good for Greece. After 5 minutes it was 12-0 to the island team and it looked like this was going to be an embarrassment. Thankfully, the scoring didn't maintain that momentum but I found it a hard watch.
For the first ten minutes of the second period not only was Samoa unable to score but Greece got a very good try! But then normal service was resumed. I must say the Greek players were gutsy and showed some enterprise.
Group B:
Australia 84-0 Scotland. This was always going to be a one sided contest. Scotland looked a very ordinary squad against Greece and here they were coming up against one full of skill and ruthlessness. So it proved as Australia scored a point a minute up to half time. I was picking a century score as Scotland would tire.
The second half continued the one sided affair. However, Scotland played their 'best' in the last fifteen minutes which scuttled the ton being achieved.
Fiji 60-4 Italy.
Fiji had the much more experienced roster so a big ask for Italy. Two mistakes from the Azzurri and a good kick chase by Fiji had them three tries up and ahead 18-0 after 15 minutes. A late shot by a Fijian player deserved time on the sideline but substandard officiating kept him on the pitch. It ended up 30-0 at the change around.
The match was more open in the second period and Fiji showed their flare. Then after 15 minutes, Italy scored a slick try but any hope of a fight back didn't materialise as the Azzurri were tiring. Another late Fijian cheap shot only resulting only in a penalty. Player protection?
Group C:
Lebanon 32-14 Ireland.
A close encounter was expected and much riding on the outcome. An Irish win and it was bye-bye to the Cedars. The first 20 minutes were tight, but ten minutes later, it was 20-0 to Lebanon. Lebanon was effectively ball stealing in the tackle. Both sides had a player sin binned as they left the field for half time after one of a few skirmishes. 20-4 was the halftime score.
The Wolfhounds started the second period the better side and at the 50 minute mark it was 20-10. Lebanon regrouped and pulled away. The Cedars were more polished and clinical, while the Wolfhounds were passionate but less controlled.
New Zealand 68-6 Jamaica.
This was a David v Goliath confrontation. The Kiwis didn't disappoint with an 18-0 lead in 20 minutes, poor goal kicking keeping the score lower than it could have been. Despite that, NZ lead 34-0 at the break.
Jamaica came out and again tried so hard, their short kick off game was amazing but their tactical kicking was abysmal. The last try going to the Reggae Warriors was a highlight. (Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Pic above) had a fine game.
Group D:
Tonga 32-6 Wales.
Tonga is one of the favourite teams against a side mainly of part timers. It could only have one outcome and at first, all Wales could do was defend. Then Wales took a surprise lead and at the quarter mark, they lead 6-0. It was proving to be a surprisingly even contest. Tonga seemed a bit flat but they took full advantage of some mistakes late in the half and lead 16-6 at the turnaround.
The second period was again a gutsy effort from Wales but their mistakes and poor options on attack meant it was about how they could keep the score respectable. The scoreline flattered Tonga although they were clearly the better side. The first ever female World Cup ref did a decent job but like all refs at the tournament, the lesser sides haven't been given any favours.
PNG 32-16 Cook Is.
PNG were the favourites but having no luck with decisions in the last game, it was a must win match for them. The Kukis were into the quarter finals with a victory. Unexpectedly then, the first half was a tight affair. PNG were slightly on top but lost a man for ten minutes and that gave the Cooks a leg up. The score at the break was 10-8 to PNG.
PNG came out of the blocks and took control of the game by opening up a handy lead. The Kukis never gave up but couldn't go with the Kumuls.
No comments:
Post a Comment