World Cup 2021 Match Summary : Men's

There has been plenty written about the games in the blog here. To get more detail on each round, simply click on the following labels: round 1, round 2; round 3, quarter finals, semifinals/final. Here are the scores from each contest.

2021 WC Attendance Figures: Men's

Below is a comprehensive coverage of attendance at the tournament. Each round with accumulated totals, then a summary of the rounds by country. Teams that played England got a boost so that skews things a bit. Then the finals, leading up to the Old Trafford attendance of over 67,000. 

It could have been better, with selection of venues, ticket procurement issues and pricing affecting numbers adversely, not to mention constraints during these post Covid times. With all those things to consider, not a bad result in the end. 

World Cup 2021 : Semi Finals/Final (Men's)

Australia 16-14 Kiwis

The Kangaroos were favourites but the Kiwis had an edge in the forwards. In the first half the stats slightly favoured the NZ side but the Kangaroos took their few chances well and looked to go into the break ahead but a nicely executed move by NZ had them in front 14-10. 

They would have to kept outperforming the Roos in the second period to win because even parity in that department would hand the tie to Australia.

So it proved to be. The Kiwis spent too much time in their half and while possibly unlucky with a very nice try disallowed, they couldn't control the game like they did in the first half. The only try of the second half was too soft with the Kiwis momentarily clocking off defensively. 

Samoa 27-26 England (picture above)

The massive win in round one counted for nothing and within minutes Samoa was ahead 4-0. A sin bin didn't seem to hurt them although England was not icing the chances it created. Eventually, England got ahead after 25 minutes but continued to miss opportunities and looked clunky. 

After 30 minutes Samoa got another chance and finished that to lead 10-6. Samoa looked sharper than the hosts. England hadn't had a poor game in the tournament but this was looking their least fluid. 

Within minutes of the resumption, England was back in front 12-10 taking full advantage of a defensive mistake. Immediately Samoa came back with a spectacular adlib try, then another one to be ahead 20-12. With 15 minutes to go England only trailed 18-20 so the atmosphere was electric. A penalty had it tied. Samoa got an intercept try, then England went the length of the field to have it 26-26 at full time. 

Extra time was quickly decided after an England mistake, handing Samoa territorial opportunity. A drop goal to Samoa and it was over. England had chances to win this but it wasn't a good performance by them and they got what they deserved.

Grand Final: Australia 30-10 Samoa 

Within two minutes Australia got a touchline call in their favour. Who would have thought? Anyway, early attacks for Samoa were ended by poor kicking and when Australia got at the other end, they showed how it is done with small in goals. They led 4-0 after 15 minutes. 

By the quarter mark it was 10-0 to the kangaroos and threatening to get ugly. Samoa was fighting but its attacks wer easily dealt with and Australia was clinical when chances came their way. 14-0 was the margin at the break. 

Early in the second period, a Kangaroo got sin binned for a headshot after play had stopped. Samoa couldn't take advantage of the brief numerical advantage and it was 20-0 with a quarter to go. Play maker Jarome Luai was having no real impact but suddenly set up a try for Samoa. Could they dream?

With ten to go, it was 26-6 and game over. It finished 30-10 and another Kangaroo title. They were not a great side but very well drilled, especially defensively. Samoa didn't play their best game but they weren't allowed to with the smothering defence they faced. 

2021 WC Attendance Figures: Wheelchair

The average attendance for matches was 2,293, a fine result for a form of the game largely unknown within the RL fraternity, let alone the public at large. The final was a sellout and a record attendance for Wheelchair RL at 4,526. 

Double header games skew the figures as some spectators would only go to one fixture of the two. The reality is there was no way of accurately separating them. Even allowing for that, good support and possibly the most successful part of the RL WC 2021. 

World Cup 2021 : Semi Finals/Final (Wheelchair)

France 84-40 Australia 

France as holders of the trophy and full of talent was expected to win and win well. They did take the lead almost immediately. Australia wasn't lying down though and at the quarter mark, it was 24-10 to the Tricolours. The Kangaroos couldn't go with them and the half time tally was 54-10.

The second half started the Wheelaroos got into the game more as the Frenetic pace of the first half eased a bit. The scoreline was 66-22 with a quarter to play and from there both sides were scoring tit for tat. The second half scoreline was 30-30.

England 125-22 Wales

After ten minutes England led 18-0, the speed and quality on show and in abundance. Wales was trying but just outclassed. 70-6 at the break but Wales was more effective in the second half. Still, it was a comprehensive display.

Grand Final: England 28-24 France (Picture above: England on attack)

Right away, there was a tightness in this encounter as two close sides came together. Early calls were all going France's way and they took the lead 8-0 after ten minutes. England finally got on the scoreboard on the 18th minute but they couldn't get a ref's call in their favour. England got a try so clean even the officials couldn't take that off them. 14-12 to the French six at the break...I mean five. 

England started the better and took the lead but France wasn't going away and it was 22-20 to England with a quarter of the game to go. With nine to go, it was 22-22. Then a fine try to England's captain got them ahead 26-22 with two minutes to go. A conversion would have been nice. Still, it was enough to deliver the WC to the England side. It doesn't happen very often.

World Cup 2021 : Round Three (Wheel Chair)

 

Australia 52-32 Spain

The winner into the semi finals, the loser goes home. Spain were impatient and making mistakes. It was 16-6 to the Wheelaroos after 16-6, 20-10 in 30 minutes. Youth and speed favoured the Aussies too and the 32-10 score at the turn around was a good place to be. Spain gave a crack in the second period but were not good enough to catch up. 

England 121-0 Ireland

It was only going to be a deluge of points from England and they didn't disappoint. The speed and execution had them up 66-0 at the break. A world record crowd of over 3,800 saw a repeat of the first half. 

France 116-6 USA

It was always going to be a one sided match, damage limitation the goal of the USA. The 64-0 half time score one both sides could be reasonably satisfied with. A great game to admire France's speed and skill but not a nail biter by any means. 

Wales 70-36 Scotland (picture above)

An important game to decide who advanced to the semi finals. At the quarter mark, Wales was ahead 24-6 and 36-20 at the break. Wales were the better but the score was close enough to make it anyone's. The second period Wales raced away with it. Wales into the semis.

World Cup 2021 : Round Two (Wheel Chair)

Round two has been weally good so here are the summaries.

England 104-12 Spain. (picture above)

The game had a blistering start with a try apiece after two minutes. There was initially a frenetic pace but then England took control of possession the game. Spain kept trying to catch out England with early kicks but it didn't work. The half time tally was 50-10 to England. 

The second period was one way traffic as Spain was unable to mount any serious attack. If there was a prize for the most players they could knock over it would be Gonzales. The first several minutes in the first half were close, and then to see the final score!  

Australia 76-18 Ireland.

Australia was quickly ahead 18-0 but just after the 20 minute mark it was 18-12 so game on. Then after a struggle, Australia hit late with a string of tries were ahead 42-12 at the break. The second half started tight but the speed and experience of Australia had them pull away. 

France 80-15 Scotland.

Hot favourites France raced to a 10-0 lead but after 15 minutes it was 10-6 so Scotland was giving it a real go. Still, the speed of the French side was always going to be too much. As things weren't entirely going their way, they got frustrated and a bit niggly. 50-6 at the turn around. 

Scotland kept trying hard and France was not as rampant as could be expected. With a bit more class, Scotland would have iced a few more chances.  

Wales 50-32 USA.

A win for the USA and they were into the semi finals. A win for Wales and it's open between these sides and Scotland for that coveted place. It was tight with the USA scoring at the quarter mark to give them a 14-6 lead. Wales came back in a enthralling contest to be ahead 30-22 at the break.

By the three quarter mark, Wales had pulled ahead, 44-26 the score, their experience was counting. Some of Wales' handling was getting better as the game progressed. Wales finished the stronger, the USA side looked like the intense tournament had drained them. 

World Cup 2021 : Quarter Finals (Mens)

The quarter finals arrived and here's what happened.

Australia 48-4 Lebanon.

Australia were the hot favourites and after a quarter of the match, they led 30-0 at the break. It was a well drilled Kangaroos that outplayed their opponents. Lebanon wasn't bad but made to look ordinary. The second stanza was more even, partly due to some clunky play by Australia. 

England 46-6 PNG.

England hit the ground running scoring 38 points in under 30 minutes. The best weather play I've ever seen. That was also the half time score as PNG got some possession and the greasy conditions had a say. 

The second half was more what was expected with an arm wrestle ensuing. The Kumuls finally got a try in the 70th minute which was well deserved. In the end, the 46-6 scoreline was unexpected but reflected a clinical effort by England. 

NZ 24-18 Fiji. (Picture above)

The Kiwis have an impressive squad but have below par games in their arsenal. It was looking like that here as the Bati took a deserved 12-0 lead after the first quarter. NZ didn't look too inventive on attack and the 12-6 lead to Fiji was well deserved. 

An immediate score after the break had Fiji looking at a huge upset. The Kiwis came back to tie the scores then got a gaol from what seemed a fortuituous call for NZ. A last gasp try from NZ got them home anyway. 

Tonga v Samoa. 

This is always a tough game with Tonga the slight favourite. After a quarter of the contest Samoa was looking better and led 12-4. Tonga came back and the half time 12-8 scoreline had the game in the balance. 

The arm wrestle contiuned but Samoa got its nose ahead 20-12 with a quarter of the match to go. Then with ten to go it was 20-18 and with players tiring it was anyones. Despite desperation from both sides at the death it was Samoa that earned the right to progress. They seemed the more polished team on the day.  

World Cup 2021 : Round One (Wheel Chair)

The wheel chair side of RL is part of a wider tournament. This is my first viewing of this RL version of the code apart from a few highlights videos. The first round featured four games and the summary follows (two to come).

Ireland 55-32 Spain. (Pic above)

Spain started with speed and slickness and established a strong lead early on. It was 30-4 at the 28 minute mark. Ireland then steadied the ship for the next 12 minutes and only trailed 10-30 at the half time break.

Ireland now had some momentum Spain came back and by the three quarter mark, it was 42-20. Spain was too well organised for the Irish side, but the latter certainly showed a lot of character.

England 38-8 Australia.

A top game was expected and they didn't disappoint. Australia took a lead 6-0 in a tight first quarter. Then England cut loose and Australia couldn't go with them. The speed of England's play was telling and they led 26-6 despite some ordinary goal kicking. The second period was tight but the home side were the better side and comfortably so.  

France 158-6 Wales.

This was the favourite France putting on a show. A couple of tries with players in front of the kicker notwithstanding, their lead of 66-0 after 25 minutes was a quite a show. Wales then got a converted try but the half time score of 96-6 was some mismatch. The second half the same.

USA 62-41 Scotland.

I didn't know what to expect here but after 4 minutes, it was 12-0 to the USA. Frenetic play ensued with Scotland coming back nicely in a tit for tat scoring pattern. The USA slipped ahead late to lead in a fascinating encounter 38-24.

Mistakes and some scrappy play didn't detract from the spectacle due to the energy and enthusiasm exhibited. The USA players were speedy and chased kicks with success. For a country new to the sport, an excellent outcome first up.

World Cup 2021 : Round Three (Mens)

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.

World Cup 2021 : Round Two (Mens)

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. 

World Cup 2021 : Round One (Mens)

The first round of the RL WC 2021 has been completed. I've seen every match in full and have a few observations to share. 

Group A:

England 60-6 Samoa. For a game that was supposed to have the island nation as favourites (never by me I'll add), it turned out very differently. 

The half time score of 18-6 to the host nation meant it was still there for either side to take. However, England took control and Samoa fell apart under the pressure. The scoreline was a surprise.

France 34-12 Greece. France has a long history in the game and Greece is relatively new. The former is rebuilding its reputation and the latter has only recently become legalised after a bizarre governmental ban. 

France took control and led 20-0 at the break but Greece battled hard and scored a couple of tries while not letting the scoreline get too much away from them. Greece surprised many with its effort while France will need to up their game to get through to the knock out stage.

Group B: 

Australia 42-8 Fiji. Australia are the favourites and while they comfortably won the match, they weren't at their best. Fiji were galant but short on quality. Fiji scored first but Australia came back to lead 18-4 by half time. In the second half the Kangaroos were always in control  

Italy 28-4 Scotland. This was a tough one to predict but Italy was polished and Scotland clunky. The Azzurri led 12-0 after the first stanza and went on with the job, effectively shutting out their opponents until conceding a late try. 

Group C: 

Ireland 48-2 Jamaica. Ireland had more quality in its squad and that showed. From the get go Ireland was on top and comfortably led 18-2 when the sides changed ends. They added another 30 unanswered points in the second forty. Jamaica showed plenty of heart but that wasn't enough against some classy opponents. 

New Zealand 34-12 Lebanon. The Kiwis were clear favourites but Lebanon always proves to be a tricky outfit and this was no different. Short kick offs worked for them and they soon led. The NZ side came back and led 18-6 at half time. Another brisk start by Lebanon and it was 18-12 but then the Kiwis turned it up a notch and pulled away. 

Group D: 

Tonga 24-18 PNG. Tonga had the much stronger roster but never got on top. The game was close throughout although the 18-6 half time score may have looked otherwise. PNG bombed a certain try down the touchline which would have had it 18-12. 

PNG took the game to their more fancied opponents and got to 18-18 and should have been ahead but for a try being ruled out which seemed OK to me. A last gasp try after an amazing sequence of passing got Tonga a late winner. 

Cook Is 18-12 Wales. The Cook Is team had many pro players while Wales was almost exclusively part timers. However, the Welsh side defied their status and their well drilled and disciplined style unsettled their adversaries. By half time Wales were surprised leaders 12-8.

In the second half the Cook Is team upped their game, played in a controlled manner and kept the Welsh side pinned in their own half. At around the three quarter point, two quick tries had the Island nation ahead 18-12 and looking like pulling away. However, the arm wrestle resumed, with Wales having a chance at the end to tie the match but they came up short. An absorbing contest. 

Picture source: SkySport.

World Cup Draw : 2021

I've bumped forward this article written some time back. Due to a postponement, it was been put back a year but it's starting in a few days. To see a detailed article click here. It also shows towards the bottom which media outlets you can watch matches through. I'm planning to sign up with Spark Sport in New Zealand. 

Now for the older article:

The draw was made by Prince Harry, the patron of the Rugby Football League. It took place at Buckingham Palace with the Prince alongside Dame Katherine Grainger DBE (former Olympic rowing champion) and Jason Robinson OBE (former Rugby League player). It covers men's, women's and wheelchair competitions.

	Men's World Cup
	Group A	England	Samoa	France	Greece
	Group B	Australia	Fiji	Scotland	Italy
	Group C	NZ	Lebanon	Jamaica	Ireland
	Group D	Tonga	PNG	Wales	Cook Is
	Women's World Cup
	Group A	England	Brazil	PNG	Canada
	Group B	Australia	NZ	France	Cook Is
	Wheelchair World Cup (Men)
	Group A	England	Australia	Spain	Norway
	Group B	France	Wales	Scotland	USA

In the men's draw, Jamaica is a surprise package, qualifying ahead of the USA and Canada. So too is Greece, where the game is severely hampered at home by authorities. Hopefully, qualifying will help the situation there. 

For the women, Brazil is new to the game and the dark horse for that tournament. As for the Wheelchair games, it's nice to see three non-traditional sides there in Norway, Spain and the USA.

World Cup 2021 - Yeah, Right

It seems the 2021 WC has been postponed until 2022. Why? Because Australia said so. It doesn't suit them so they wouldn't play unless they got their way. New Zealand jumped to their side like a well trained lap dog. 

It started quite early when NRL clubs in Australia said quarantined players coming back would miss some pre-season training so they were against it. When that got nowhere, player welfare became the reason and Australia pulled out and said it would suit better in 2022. NZ quickly joined them in a move that left me wondering as to the motives. No World Cup and some lucrative test matches in the Pacific instead the most likely carrot on a stick that got them onside.

What exactly is the problem? 

Sport is going on all around the world. When the ARLC and the NZRL came out saying they wanted assurances of player safety when obviously the organisers had already given them that, I had my suspicions that this was a precursor to a jointly organised decision to pull out. 

Too many new infections in the UK? They don't think there are safety protocols in place? I noticed for the Olympics that in Tokyo, 1,400 new cases in a day as the games commenced. With 11,000 athletes plus many more support staff, this was a scale of operation that dwarfs the RLWC.

I would be more sympathetic with the ARLC and the NZRL if they were desperately trying to get to the WC. They clearly weren’t interested in attending and COVID then becomes a convenient excuse. The traditional Australian RL media didn’t get the rights for the WC so wanted test matches they could televise. The NRL in Australia didn’t want any disruption so getting the WC canceled was the solution. I am shocked how brazenly this has been played out. 

So who runs the sport? 

The role of a national sporting organisation is first and foremost to promote their domestic game. That is their priority, their responsibility which in RL is the IRL However, by the pro clubs and the ARLC effectively assuming role of leading the game, then self interest will override doing what’s best for the global game. Australia wants to take over the running of the sport as has been stated in the media. 

The most powerful body in any successful sport should have no vested interest in a particular country. The problem with RL is the tail wags the dog. An international sport has to be bigger than one member. One or two teams being absent from the WC shouldn’t be a deal breaker. If the WC went ahead without them it would say something positive about the code. It’s a very weak international sport otherwise. Australia feels if they don't want in, then the world of RL will come to heel. Much like a well trained pooch. 

There have been boycotts of FIFA tournaments, Olympic games and other global events by some top class nations yet they went ahead anyway yet still retained their integrity. No nation is bigger than the game as a whole. If that is one thing that could have been learned from this WC, international RL would be stronger for it. 

As RL generates nearly all its income from two pro comps, that gives them power. The few media companies who pay for those rights also become powerful, dictating what they want. In RU, a large amount of their revenue comes from international matches so that lessens the power of the clubs. I presume it also widens the number of media companies who pay for those games, lessening their control to a degree. 

So RL is basically at the mercy of a few media companies and a handful of pro clubs. The WC being postponed proves the game is dependent on Australia to do anything. The COVID situation is simply a convenient untruth to cover a power grab. One country says there can't be a WC without us. Hand the reigns over to Australia now. Let's capitulate. 

Could it have gone ahead?

I believe the WC could have been held in 2021. It wouldn't be as profitable as a full compliment of teams but I doubt it would run at a loss if it went ahead. I think the monetary side and maximising the return would be a major factor in the decision to postpone. Players in Australia being pressured not to go would have encouraged nations heavily dependent on that player pool to favour a postponement.

I think the committee has also tried too hard to appease and seek consensus. In the process, the protracted wait for a decision only to it putting it back a year has come across to me as somewhat feeble, when decisive leadership was needed. I don't feel any interest in the 2022 version due to the way it was hijacked. I may feel more positive in a year's time but right now a total loss of interest in it.

Nothing Changes In Gaga Land

RL has a great product but at every other level.... The World Cup was delayed a year due to the Corona virus. Understandable. Provided the pandemic is sufficiently under control, there is no reason that the event shouldn't go ahead in 2021. In a normal sport at least, but in RL's gaga land things are rarely that simple.

Is a 14 day quarantine period for NRL players returning home which slightly disrupts their preseason training is sufficient grounds to postpone the biggest event in RL? Apparently so. The pro clubs in the sport are the biggest liability to expanding the game. While clubs have the whip hand, self-interest will prevail.

Would people still go to a WC without certain major nations participating? I know it wouldn't dampen my interest in the tournament one jot. I would actually enjoy a WC without Australia and possibly NZ as well. RL has enough nations willing to play, so it can be held. It would be more interesting and less one sided.

If we compare how FIFA handled the early WC tournaments. The first three tournaments had various top nations refusing to play. They were barely worth holding, but FIFA went ahead with them anyway.  FIFA has never cancelled a WC due to the refusal of certain nations to participate. Everyone got the message. 

The IRL body could ahead anyway and show the RL community it can still put on a tournament even if some of the big names stay away. I just don't think the IRL has the confidence to do so. It seems to be subservient to Australia and its navel gazing, myopic attitude. I don't call RL gaga land without reason. 

2021 WC Groups

The teams are decided! A team is chosen from each pot to form a group or pool. None of the teams within a pot will share a group. The pots are as follows. The draw is on November 27th, 2019.

	Pot 1	Pot 2	Pot 3	Pot 4
	Australia	Fiji	France	Cook Islands
	England	Lebanon	Jamaica	Ireland
	New Zealand	PNG	Scotland	Italy
	Tonga	Samoa	Wales	Greece

As for the WC history of the qualifiers, the number of times they have been is shown below. Two nations are new and one 15 times country is a third pot ranking. 

	Nation	Times Been	Nation	Times Been
	Australia	15	France	15
	GB/England	15	Jamaica	0
	New Zealand	15	Scotland	4
	Tonga	5	Wales	5
	Fiji	5	Cook Islands	2
	Lebanon	2	Ireland	4
	PNG	7	Italy	2
	Samoa	5	Greece	0

The groups will be posted below when available.

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

2021 World Cup Qualifiers - Europe C

The fixtures below are all in 2018 (except the last one), involving six nations and six games. They involve Group C ranked countries and a full list of the groups can be found by clicking here. There is a match between the two winning sides of the North and South groups to see which side progresses but I am unsure of the details at this stage.

16th June, Vrchlabi, Czech Rep:

Czech Rep 20-12 Norway.

The first match in the 2021 World Cup Qualifiers - European Championship C North -  was won by the hosts. Over 1,000 spectators in a small town were impressive. The game was close and Norway had the upper hand early on but was unable to take full advantage.

30th June, Budapest, Hungary:

Malta 22-44 Ukraine.

The first match for the European Championship C South was watched by 500 spectators at the Marsa Sports Complex. In warm conditions, the Ukraine side had the better of the first half to lead 18-6 at the break. Although Malta was able to score more in the second half, they couldn't stop the visitors doing likewise.

25th August, Osnabrück, Germany:

Germany 24-4 Czech Rep.

The second European Championship C North game went to Germany. It was a tight game, with the hosts scoring just before the break to lead 6-0. The larger Czech forwards were unable to break down a resolute defence as they hoped.

8th September, Kharkov, Ukraine:

Ukraine 26-28 Greece.

The second fixture for the European Championship C South had Greece leading 20-8 at halftime. However, the home side came storming back for a tense finish to the game. Both sides scored four tries each but a penalty goal was the difference in the end.

15th September, Porsgrunn, Norway & Athens, Greece:

Norway 40-20 Germany.

The third and final European Championship C North game with not much in it up to halftime, with the hosts leading 16-10. Norway needed to win well to progress (14 or 15 points) and they took the game away from Germany with an impressive points haul.

Malta 60-4 Greece.

The third and final European Championship C South match Greece showed their class, racing to a 30-4 halftime advantage. They didn't let up in the second period, running out comfortable winners. Greece won both their fixtures and progress.

Group C North							Group C South
Nation	W	L	P	F	A	+/-	Nation	W	L	P	F	A	+/-
Norway	1	1	2	52	40	+8	Greece	2	0	4	88	30	+58
Germany	1	1	2	44	44	0	Ukraine	1	1	2	70	50	+20
Czech R	1	1	2	24	36	-8	Malta	0	2	0	26	104	-78

18th May 2019, London, England:

The playoff game to see which team progressed, was a high scoring match. Greece were soon ahead 14-0 and by half time it was a lopsided 39-0. The second half was more even, as Norway came back. The score was 38-20 at one stage but eventually Greece took the game 56-26.

Norway can return home proud of their come back performance while Greece attempt to make their first WC appearance in the next round played in Oct/Nov 2019 against Scotland and Russia.