Tonga open their campaign on Wednesday. Source: Getty Images
THERE are plenty of reasons to get up early for some Rugby League World Cup action over the next few days. Check out our previews of the coming games.
***
Saturday, November 2 – 7AM AEDT (6AM Queensland time)
New Zealand v France
Live on 7mate
FRANCE will host World Cup holders New Zealand on home turf when the two teams clash at Parc Des Sports Stadium in Avignon.
The inclusion of the Catalan Dragons in the English Super League has played a major role in helping to improve the competitiveness of France on the world stage.
Regardless, a star-studded New Zealand side will be difficult to overcome.
A short turn around between games for the Kiwis may see some players rested and props Ben Matulino and Greg Eastwood are a big chance to get a run.
France is unlikely to make any changes to the team which beat Papua New Guinea 9-8.
Key to both teams will be the performance of the halves. French halfback William Barthau was impressive against the Kumals and he'll need a repeat performance if France is to have any chance in this game.
The French will also be in for plenty of headaches if they are unable to shutdown New Zealand's big men.
The last time these two nations met in a World Cup was in 2000 and New Zealand thumped the Le Chanticleers 54-6.
OFFICIAL SQUADS
NEW ZEALAND: Jesse Bromwich, Greg Eastwood, Kieran Foran, Alex Glenn, Bryson Goodwin, Josh Hoffman, Krisnan Inu, Shaun Johnson, Sam Kasiano, Thomas Leuluai, Kevin Locke, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Sam Moa, Jason Nightingale, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Frank Pritchard, Elijah Taylor, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Manu Vatuvei, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dean Whare, Sonny Bill Williams. Coach: Stephen Kearney
FRANCE: Squad: Jean Philippe Baile, William Barthau, Andrew Bentley, Kane Bentley, Thomas Bosc, Damien Cardace, Remi Casty, Vincent Duport, Olivier Elima, Morgan Escare, Theo Fages, Jamal Fakir, Benjamin Garcia, Tony Gigot, Clint Greenshields, Younes Khattabi, Kevin Larroyer, Antoni Maria, Gregory Mounis, Eloi Pelissier, Sebastian Raguin, Mickael Simon, Cyril Stacul, Frederic Vaccari. Coach: Richard Agar
Sunday, November 3 – 7AM AEDT (6AM Queensland time)
England v Ireland
Live on 7mate
A big crowd is expected to be on hand to watch the Old Dart take on Ireland in the UK's rugby league heartland of northern England.
Ireland will need to markedly improve on their performance against Fiji if they are to match it with England. Ireland went down to the Bati 32-14.
Even though Ireland struggled to generate any real go forward in that game, prop Brett White and hooker Rory Kostjasyn were best on field for the Wolfhounds. Both players will again play a key role in this game.
For England, Sam Burgess will miss this game after being handed a one-match ban for a high shot on Australia's Sam Thaiday.
Bulldogs prop James Graham is likely to replace Burgess after initially being axed from the side for disciplinary reasons for the tournament opener against the Kangaroos.
England shape as the classier outfit in attack with likes of star fullback Sam Tomkins who is capable of piling on the points.
After a tough loss to Australia in their opening game, England will be keen to stamp their mark on tournament.
OFFICIAL SQUADS
ENGLAND: Carl Ablett, Tom Briscoe, George Burgess, Thomas Burgess, Rob Burrow, Josh Charnley, Rangi Chase, Leroy Cudjoe, Liam Farrell, Brett Ferres, James Graham, Ryan Hall, Zak Hardaker, Chris Hill, Michael McIllorum, Lee Mossop, Sean O'Loughlin, James Roby, Kevin Sinfield, Sam Tomkins, Kallum Watkins, Ben Westwood, Gareth Widdop. Coach: Steve McNamara
IRELAND: Dave Allen, Luke Ambler, Bob Beswick, Damien Blanc, Danny Bridge, Ben Currie, Liam Finn, Simon Finnigan, Scott Grix, Simon Grix, Kurt Haggerty, James Hasson, Rory Kostjasyn, Stuart Littler, Tyrone McCarthy, James Mendeika, Anthony Mullally, Eamon O'Carroll, Apirana Pewhairangi, Pat Richards, Colton Roche, Marc Sneyd, Joshua Toole, Brett White. Coach: Mark Aston
31 Oct, 2013
-
Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/rugby-league-world-cup-previews-fiji-v-ireland-tonga-v-scotland-usa-v-cook-islands/story-e6frfkp9-1226748325888?from=public_rss
--
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
