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World Cup

World Cup overnight: DWZ equals Kiwi record, wins for England, Fiji

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Here’s what you might have missed overnight at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.

The main takeaways

  • Fiji's attacking prowess shone through with a 10-tries-to-one victory their biggest win since downing Wales back at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. 
  • Apisai Koroisau, playing halfback rather than his preferred position of hooker, was at his scheming best throughout the contest, setting up tries and scoring them alike while young gun Sunia Turuva also continues to impress at fullback.
  • Jake Maizen grabbed Italy's only try of the game to record his fourth four-pointer of the World Cup, which sees him sit in second on the try-scorers list across the competition behind Kangaroos winger Josh Addo-Carr (6).

Star performers

Panthers trio Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau and Sunia Turuva were all impressive for Fiji, while Maika Sivo also bagged a double in the 54-point romp. Hooker Penioni Tagituimua was impressive in both attack and defence, scoring two tries to claim the player of the match award on the day.

What the result means

Fiji appear set on a collision course with New Zealand in the quarter-finals with the Bati likely to face the Kiwis should they come second in Group B. For that to happen, however, they must first see off Scotland in their final group stage game.

Recap

The main takeaways

  • England led 18-0 early on before France powered back to trail by six at the break, but the host nation were too strong in the second 40. 
  • After scoring twice against France, Ryan Hall now has 37 tries in 39 Tests.
  • France completed 90 percent of their sets in the loss, but struggled to convert it into metres gained, finishing with just 1348 to England's 2109. 
  • England's NRL stars Dom Young, Victor Radley and Elliott Whitehead all stood out. 

Star performers

Former Raiders half George Williams directed play well in the No.7 jersey and hurt France when he opted to run, coming up with 142 run metres. Knights wing Dom Young continued his brilliant start to the tournament, scoring a pair of tries and running for 292 metres. France lock Ben Garcia was strong again, making 41 tackles 

What the result means

Short of a couple of miraculous victories by Greece over Samoa and England, it means the host nation are through to the quarter-finals as top seed from Group A. Regardless of the outcome in tomorrow's Greece v Samoa match, France will head into the final group game with a chance of qualifying for the next round. 

Recap

Match Highlights: England v France

The main takeaways

  • Dallin Watene-Zelezniak equaled New Zealand's record for most tries in a World Cup match with his four-try haul.
  • Joey Manu played at five-eighth following the withdrawal of Dylan Brown (illness) prior to the match, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad slotting in at fullback. 
  • Jamaica scored their first ever try at a World Cup, with Ben Jones-Bishop crossing late in the match.

Star performers

At times in Hull it seemed that everything Dallin Watene-Zelezniak touched turned to gold. The winger had three tries before the game was even 20 minutes old, and a couple of nice assists, on a day which ended in his scoring four in 62 minutes. Charnze Nicoll-Kolokstad stood in admirably at fullback too, with three try involvements and 163 run metres. Brandon Smith scored a quick-fire double in the second half and had 132 run metres to his name. 

What the result means

The Kiwis are through to the quarter-finals, while the Reggae Warriors will technically remain a mathematical chance of advancing if Lebanon beat Ireland tomorrow.  

Recap

Match Highlights: New Zealand v Jamaica

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.