So it’s all on the line this weekend as the 2021/22 Rugby League World Cup comes to a conclusion in Manchester. Here’s the line-up.
Men’s competition:
Australia v Samoa
In the semi-finals, Australia had to fight all the way before coming from behind and then hanging on grimly to hold out a never-say-die Kiwi outfit. The difference, in the end, was a single defensive lapse in the 52nd minute that allowed Cameron Murray to score under the posts. But the match highlight was Josh Addo-Carr’s try after fifteen minutes. Ben Hunt launched a long, high cross-field kick towards The Fox’s left wing. The Kiwis seemed to have it covered but the ball drifted a little wider where Addo-Carr, at full speed, raced through to take the ball and cross untouched. It’s the try you dream of scoring played out in front of you.
In the other semi-final, Samoa shocked the home side with a 27-26 win in golden point time. This was one of the best matches of the tournament as momentum swung back and forth up to and including the very last play. Stephen Crichton has had a great series and landed the killer blow to round out a strong 83-minute effort. Just a month ago England won the opening match against Samoa by over 50 points; now they have to work out what went wrong in the crucial moments.
The final between Australia and Samoa will see the defending champions start as red hot favourites and I think they will win – but not before they are forced to earn it! The Kangaroos have more improvement left in them and have the big match players in Tedesco, Munster, Mitchell, Cleary and Hunt while Samoa may have had to use up a lot of petrol to get to the final after their stuttering start to the series. I think that Australia will try to play an expansive style while Samoa will try to win it through the middle. Australia by 10+.
The final will be played at Old Trafford on Sunday morning from 2.00am (AEDT).
Women’s competition:
Australia v New Zealand
It’s the final everyone expected and wanted. Australia trounced the willing but vastly outclassed PNG 82-0 in their semi-final, a game that really didn’t tell us much about the Jillaroos that we didn’t already know. In the other game, New Zealand overcame a slow start to get back into the game and then move comfortably ahead of the English Roses to win 20-6. The Roses had moved through the tournament without having to face an opponent of any great strength. When that moment came they were found wanting.
This final will be a battle of wills as much as skills. Like all matches at the highest level, it will all come down to one or two plays or errors. The Ferns rattled and flustered the Jillaroos in their round robin match last week. I expect NZ to use similar tactics this time while the Australians will try to play wider and faster. It may be a case of which side can impose their style of play on the game. Both sides have the capacity to play grinding footy and an expansive style. If it’s a low-scoring game I fancy the Ferns; if it’s more free flowing I favour the Jillaroos. I’ll go with the Australians by 8.
The final will be played at Old Trafford on Saturday night from 11.15pm (AEDT).
Wheelies competition:
France v England
Australia crashed out (no pun intended) of the wheelies tournament when they lost 84-40 to France. In the other game, England easily disposed of Wales by a whopping 125-22.
So the final will feature the two most consistent teams throughout the series. Obviously both sides have strike power aplenty but, when it’s needed, which has the better defence?
I haven’t a clue who to pick in this one but let’s have a little vive la difference and go with la belle France.
The final will be played at Manchester Central on Saturday morning from 5.30am (AEDT).
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
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