World Cup Wrap Week 3: England and Tonga Make History; Hosts Take Out PDRL Trophy

The third week of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup saw the men’s group stage come to a close with a couple of record-breaking scorelines, as well as the PDRL World Cup unfolding throughout the week.

New Zealand vs Ireland: Manu Stars Over Keary’s Ireland

After conceding first points, the world’s number one ranked Kiwis went on to beat the Ireland Wolfhounds 48-10.

Despite the loss, five-eighth Luke Keary contributed to his side in both attack and defence with over 100 kicking metres and nineteen tackles.

New Zealand enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves had a profound impact on his side off the bench, running for 85 metres and breaking two tackles in just seventeen minutes of play.

Usual standout Joseph Manu was in fine form once again, running for over 250 metres from a phenomenal 31 runs of the football.

He also broke out of an incredible eighteen tackles and broke the line once when he split Ireland’s defence in half with two minutes to play, racing away to score a 30-metre solo try and put the cherry on top of New Zealand’s convincing victory.

England vs Greece: The English Make History against Greece

Posting up their largest-ever scoreline against Greece, England scored seventeen tries in a 94-4 flogging.

Before leaving the field after 29 minutes, Victor Radley ran 35 metres from four runs, breaking a tackle in the process.

He also put work in on the defensive end, making 13 tackles.

Fiji vs Scotland: Fiji Advance to Quarter Finals with Victory Over Scotland

The Fiji Bati were able to secure second spot in Group B as they beat Scotland 30-14, recording their second win of the tournament.

Fijian Captain Kevin Naiqama held down his centre role stoutly, running for 116 metres and making 15 tackles. He proved a handful for defenders, breaking three tackles, offloading the ball twice and breaking the line once.

Performing just as well in the backline was Vuate Karawalevu, who tallied up almost 130 metres going forward as well as breaking out of five tackles, offloading the ball once and assisting a line break.

Young star Siua Wong was strong in the forward pack, running for 110 metres with 52 coming after contact and busting out of three tackles. He also made 20 tackles and committed just one error in his 80 minutes on the field.

Australia vs Italy: Tedesco’s Australia Win Well Over the Italians

The Kangaroos are bouncing into the Quarter Finals after remaining undefeated so far in their World Cup campaign as they got the better of Italy 66-6.

They were led by their Captain James Tedesco, who ran for over 180 metres, busted out of seven tackles and broke the line twice, as well as scoring a try in his 50 minutes of play.

Prop forward Lindsay Collins was strong up front, running for almost 130 metres and breaking two tackles as well as scoring the last try of the game with a minute remaining.

Tonga vs Cook Islands: Tonga Tie Up Group D Top Spot Against the Cook Islands

Mate Ma’a Tonga made history with their largest-ever Test win as they defeated the Cook Islands 92-10, cementing them at the top of their group heading into the finals.

After scoring the opening try of the game, veteran winger Daniel Tupou went on to have yet another outstanding match as he racked up over 180 run metres, five tackle breaks and two line breaks.

Tupou went on to score another try in the impressive victory, bringing his try-scoring tally for the 2021 World Cup up to five tries in just three appearances.

Samoa vs France: Suaalii’s Samoa Overcome France

Toa Samoa have advanced to the 2021 World Cup Quarter Finals, securing second spot in Group A with a 62-4 victory over France.

Fullback Joseph Suaalii handled his assignment well, running for 141 metres from sixteen runs at the back.

He was strong on attack, making over 50 post-contact metres, breaking four tackles and assisting both a line break and try.

PDRL World Cup: Roos Brave But England Dominate to Claim Cup

After captaining the Roosters to their first-ever NSWPDRL Premiership, Rylee Lowe was selected alongside teammate Bryce Crane to represent Australia at the Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup.

Despite fighting hard, Australia was defeated in their opening match against England 58-16, before being narrowly beaten by New Zealand 34-26.

They were then unable to claim a victory against Wales in the third-place playoff, going down 32-18.

It was England who claimed the tournament with a strong 42-10 victory over New Zealand in the final.