England’s thrashing of Samoa has them a smokey to go all the way as they won’t play New Zealand or Australia until the final.
Meanwhile Australia firmed as the team to beat despite a mixed bag in their World Cup opener against Fiji.
Read on for the latest Rugby League World Cup Power Rankings.
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1. AUSTRALIA
Last week’s rank: (1st no movement)
Analysis: It wasn’t the perfect start for Australia’s World Cup defence as they conceded the first and last tries to Fiji, but they were still dominant in a 42-8 win in their opener. Harry Grant was superb off the bench for the Kangaroos, while Cameron Munster continued his sterling 2022 in a man-of-the-match display. Josh Addo-Carr scored a classy double including a length of the field try. Second-rowers Jeremiah Nanai and Angus Crichton both scored in eye-catching displays to give Mal Meninga a real selection headache, while superstars James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell also grabbed four-pointers in a solid start for Australia. Ben Hunt and Daly Cherry-Evans failed to light the world on fire, opening the door for Nathan Cleary to state his case. Mal Meninga will give the remaining seven players in his squad the chance to impress against Scotland, but Australia’s campaign is off to a promising if clunky start.
2. NEW ZEALAND
Last week’s rank: (2nd no movement)
Analysis: It wasn’t their finest performance, but the Kiwis got the job done against a valiant Lebanon side, winning 34-12 in their first World Cup group clash. New Zealand have a star-studded line-up, however one man stood out from the pack – Joey Manu. The Roosters gun was everywhere and scored a ridiculous chip-and-chase try from dummy half beating four defenders to streak away. Manu ran for 198 metres, recorded a ridiculous 15 tackle breaks and racked up three try assists to stamp his claim as the most dangerous attacking threat in the competition. Meanwhile, playing at lock Joseph Tapine was damaging, recording 157 running metres and breaking two tackles. Despite getting the victory, Michael Maguire won’t be happy his side allowed Lebanon to score the first try in both halves when Josh Mansour crossed in the opening minute and Abbas Miski in the 45th. The Kiwis face World Cup newcomers Jamaica in the second round.
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3. ENGLAND
Last week’s rank: (4th up one spot)
Analysis: The hosts went into the World Cup opener against Samoa as underdogs, but made a mockery of those pre-match predictions in a ruthless and clinical 60-6 demolition. Victor Radley proved his critics wrong with a man-of-the-match display in his England debut that included three linebreak assists and three try assists. Halves George Williams and Jack Welsby were dominant with two tries and five try assists between them. Knights winger Dominic Young was also impressive on debut scoring a classy double, while Raiders skipper Elliott Whitehead also scored two tries in England’s rout. Led by Radley, Whitehead and Tom Burgess, England always had the forward pack to match it with the best teams in the world, but now with their backline clicking they are a smokey for the title given they are on the opposite side of the draw to Australia and New Zealand.
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4. TONGA
Last week’s rank: (5th up one spot)
Analysis: Tonga narrowly escaped a draw with Papua New Guinea after Rabbitohs gun Keaon Koloamatangi scored from an impressive Siosiua Taukeiaho grubber in the 77th minute to take the lead. Koloamatangi impressed for Kristian Woolf’s side after being thrown into hooker after Siliva Havili was ruled out with a calf injury. Soni Luke remained on the bench and Koloamatangi delivered, with his coach labelling his performance “outstanding”. At fullback, Tolu Koula was also impressive, recording 239 running metres and a try assist alongside six tackle breaks. While Woolf’s side got the win, Tonga will be disappointed they let the Kumuls back in the game after holding a 18-6 halftime lead. Lachlam Lam scored for PNG in the first minute of the second half before Dan Russell later scored in the corner. Tonga got out of trouble with some creative football, but will be hoping to put the game to bed earlier when they take on Wales in their second group stages clash.
5. SAMOA
Last week’s rank: (3rd down two spots)
Analysis: Samoa came into the World Cup as third favourites on the back of their star-studded squad thanks to some Kangaroos defections to play for their native nation. However, after being blown away by England 60-6, despite being favourites, Samoa are now battling to make it out of their pool and even if they do they will face a daunting clash with arch rivals Tonga at the quarterfinal stage. Tournament ending injuries to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Tyrone May as well as a one-game suspension for Anthony Milford will severely test their depth. Star props Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii were dominated by their England counterparts, while the Panthers’ Grand Final contingent looked like they had been partying a little too hard since their premiership win. Joseph Suaalii showed glimpses of his brilliance at fullback, but also that he has a lot to learn about the position after some glaring errors and defensive lapses. Samoa desperately need to turn things around fast or their World Cup could be over before the knockout stages.
6. IRELAND
Last week’s rank: (10th up four spots)
Analysis: Ireland were impressive in a 48-2 win over World Cup debutants Jamaica, piling in the points in a clinical attacking performance. Fullback Richard Myler delivered with two try assists and two tackle breaks, alongside Roosters gun Luke Keary who broke five tackles to go with a line break and try assist. Louis Senior scored a double on the wing, with brother Innes also crossing. Brothers George and Toby King also recorded four-pointers of their own. While Jamaica only have three Super League players in their line-up, Ireland only have two who have featured in the NRL to go with a host of Super League players. Ireland will face their biggest test to date when they take on Lebanon in their next clash. That encounter will likely decide who progresses through the group stages alongside New Zealand and coach Ged Corcoran will be desperate to have his side firing.
7. PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Last week’s rank: (6th down one spot)
Analysis: Papua New Guinea would have been left with a sour taste in their mouth after a huge upset win was stolen from their grasp. Tonga scored a winner in the 77th minute after the Kumuls brought the scores to 18-all after trailing 18-6 at halftime. Papua New Guinea had a try disallowed in the 53rd minute in controversial circumstances which could have given them the upper hand. While they will look back wondering how they didn’t beat one of the competition heavyweights, there were many positives to take out of the clash for the Kumuls. Hooker and man of the match Edwin Ipape was excellent and recorded a try assists, a line break, a line break assists and three tackle busts. Alex Johnston also notched up a try assist and 106 running metres, while backrower Rhyse Martin made 40 tackles to go with two tackle breaks and a line break. Papua New Guinea face the Cook Islands in their next encounter.
8. FIJI
Last week’s rank: (7th down one spot)
Analysis: Fiji’s World Cup got off to a dream start with Semi Valemei scoring the first try against Australia, but it was all down hill from there in a convincing 42-8 loss to the defending champions. Penrith’s Grand Final stars Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau were particularly disappointing making three errors and 13 missed tackles between them in a sure sign of a premiership hangover. Panthers’ back-up fullback Sunia Turuva showed some promising signs at the back but like his teammates he was poor in defence with Fiji missing a whopping 51 tackles to Australia’s 10, so they did well not to lose by much more than 34 points. Halves Brandon Wakeham and Sitiveni Moceidreke both set up tries, but with no player bar Turuva running for over 100 metres, Fiji were never really in the contest. However, they showed enough to threaten Italy and Scotland and make it through to the quarterfinals.
9. LEBANON
Last week’s rank: (8th down one spot)
Analysis: Lebanon were expected to be blown out of the park by one of the competition heavyweights in their first clash against New Zealand. Despite going down 34-12, Lebanon can be proud of their performance. Lebanon have only Mitchell Moses, Jacob Kiraz, Josh Mansour, Adam Doueihi and James Roumanos who boast NRL experience, while New Zealand are stacked with first grade superstars including Joey Manu, Joseph Tapine, Brandon Smith and Dylan Brown. With coach Michael Cheika at the helm, Lebanon’s national team are certainly on the rise, despite Doueihi’s send-off for dissent. The Tigers gun will be a big loss coming into their clash against Ireland but will return for the finals group stage encounter against Jamiaca. Lebanon will be desperate to progess through the group stages and potentially shake-up the finals.
10. COOK ISLANDS
Last week’s rank: (9th down one spot)
Analysis: The Cook Islands only just snuck past minnows Wales who have not won a match at the World Cup in 22 years. The 18-12 victory was hardly a convincing performance from a side who will fancy themselves a chance of making the knockout stages. Wales led 12-8 at halftime before Rabbitohs prop Davvy Moale scored the go-ahead try in the 58th minute, before his former Souths teammate Steven Marsters sealed it. Former Titans playmaker Esan Marsters captained the side and the five-eighth played a big role in the win, while centre Anthony Gelling ran for 207 metres from 22 carries and scored a try. But they’ll need vastly improved performances for their next games against PNG and Tonga if they’re any chance of playing in the quarterfinals.
11. ITALY
Last week’s rank: (no movement)
Analysis: Eels’ Grand Finalist Nathan Brown put the disappointment of the loss to the Panthers behind him to lead the Azzurri to a convincing 28-4 win over Scotland. Brown led the Italy pack with 127 metres and 33 tackles to set the platform up front. Halves Radean Robinson and Jack Campagnolo combined for three linebreak assists and two try assists between them in a solid display, while fullback Luke Polselli had a try and a try assist. However, the star for Italy was undoubtedly debutant Jake Maizen, who ran for 217 metres to go with four tackle busts, three linebreaks and a classy hat-trick to tear Scotland apart on the flank. After their promising start to their World Cup campaign, Italy will give themselves a chance to upset Fiji and progress through to the knockout stages.
12. FRANCE
Last week’s rank: (13th up one spot)
Analysis: France dominated Greece 34-12 in their tournament opener and put Samoa on notice after their dismal loss to England. Given Samoa’s injury and suspension issues, France are now an outside chance to upset their group A rivals and win through to the knockout stages. Second-rower Benjamin Jullien dominated with 110 run metres, three tackle busts, two linebreaks and a classy double. Lock Benjamin Garcia had a team high 171 metres and 26 tackles without a miss to hold the middle together. Halves Arthur Mourgue and Tony Gigot also impressed in try-scoring displays to guide their side to victory. Bigger challenges await for France, but if they can upset Samoa they have a chance to shake-up the World Cup.
13. WALES
Last week’s rank: (14th up one spot)
Analysis: Wales were chasing their first World Cup win since 2000 and burst out of the blocks to lead the Cook Islands 12-8 at halftime but ultimately fell 18-12. Wales have no NRL players in their squad and Salford’s Rhys Williams is the only Super League representative. But they almost drew level at the death after Rhodri Lloyd charged down a kick and a try looked there for the taking. But former Panthers and Raiders player Caleb Aekins didn’t pass to his outside man and the chance was lost, along with the game. Second rower Bailey Antrobus ran for 110 metres from 15 carries, while winger Mike Butt produced 130 metres from his 18 runs.
14. GREECE
Last week’s rank: (12th down two spots)
Analysis: Greece were bested by an impressive performance from France, going down 34-12 in their first World Cup game ever. Early in the contest Greece struggled to get out of their own half in the early stages of the game and were behind 20-0 at halftime. However, 15 minutes into the second half, Greece halfback Jordan Meads produced a moment of brilliance, putting in a pinpoint grubber for Siteni Taukamo to score the nation’s first ever World Cup try. Greece were also able to grab a 79th minute try courtesy of Nick Mougious. Rabbitohs young gun Lachlan Ilias was unable to have a major impact, recording only 26 running metres and two tackle breaks, while Taukamo and Mougios ran for a team high 123 metres. Greece face a tough assignment in their second World Cup game, facing off against Samoa who have a point to prove after a poor performance against England.
15. SCOTLAND
Last week’s rank: (15th no movement)
Analysis: Scotland were disappointing in their convincing first up 28-4 loss to Italy, which effectively means they have to beat Australia and Fiji to qualify for the knockout stages. Dolphins signing Euan Aitken was a rare shining light for the Scots with 122 run metres, nine tackle busts, five offloads, a try assist and 29 tackles. Winger Lachlan Walmsley was also impressive with 151 run metres, five tackle busts, a linebreak and a try. However, Scotland’s spine failed to click with halves Calum Gahan and Bailey Hayward making six errors between them, while the latter also gave away two penalties. Lock James Bell ran for 102 metres and made a team high 36 tackles, but Scotland need to be much better across the board or the Kangaroos and Fiji will put cricket scores on them.
16. JAMAICA
Last week’s rank: (16th no movement)
Analysis: Similar to the Jamaican bobsleigh team which inspired the cult film Cool Runnings, this side are determined to stun the world. However, in their first ever World Cup appearance, the Reggae Warriors were beaten 48-2 after an impressive Ireland performance. Halfback Kieran Rush recorded Jamaica’s first ever points with a 39th minute penalty goal but the side are yet to cross for a four-pointer after 80 minutes of football. Winger Mo Agoro delivered an impressive performance, recording 128 running metres from 14 carries, while captain Ashton Golding was also strong playing at hooker. Jamaica face a tough task coming up against competition heavyweights New Zealand in their second clash. If they can cross for their first ever try, it will be a historic moment for the Caribbean nation.
