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History and Statistics: Australia v England

History and Statistics: Australia v England

01/12/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 25029539
 

1 December, 2017


History and Statistics: Australia v England
 

RLWC2017 is pleased to provide detailed notes for the media for the final of the Rugby League World Cup 2017 at Brisbane Stadium on Saturday, 2 December 2017.

Please credit League Information Services for the use of these statistics and history of previous matches between the teams.

AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND 
  • Australia and England have clashed eight times at the World Cup
Year             Venue                                                     Winner      Score
1975            Sydney Cricket Ground                         Drew             10-all
1975            Central Park, Wigan                              England         16-13
1995            Wembley Stadium, London                   England          20-16
1995            Wembley Stadium, London                   Australia         16-8
2000            Twickenham, London                            Australia          22-2
2008            Telstra Dome, Melbourne                      Australia          52-4
2013            Millennium Stadium, Cardiff                   Australia         28-20
2017            AAMI Park, Melbourne                           Australia         18-4
 
Summary: Played 8, Australia 5, England 2, drawn 1
  • These teams have met 15 times at Test match level, Australia winning 12 times to England’s two, with one Test drawn
     
  • These teams have met only once previously in a World Cup Final. In 1995 Australia defeated England 16-8 at Wembley Stadium. Teams were:
AUSTRALIA: Tim Brasher; Rod Wishart, Mark Coyne, Terry Hill, Brett Dallas; Brad Fittler (c), Geoff Toovey; Dean Pay, Andrew Johns, Mark Carroll, Steve Menzies, Gary Larson, Jim Dymock. Interchange: Jason Smith (Robbie O’Davis, Matthew Johns and Nik Kosef were not used). Coach: Bob Fulton.

ENGLAND: Kris Radlinski; Jason Robinson, Gary Connolly, Paul Newlove, Martin Offiah; Tony Smith, Bobbie Goulding; Karl Harrison, Lee Jackson, Andy Platt, Denis Betts (c), Phil Clarke, Andy Farrell. Interchange: Mick Cassidy, Chris Joynt. Barrie-Jon Mather and Nick Pinkney were not used. Coach: Phil Larder.

Australia 16 (Wishart, Brasher tries; A.Johns 4 goals) defeated England 8(Newlove try; Goulding 2 goals) at Wembley Stadium, October 28, 1995.
Scrums: England 8-7. Penalties: England 12-9. Crowd: 66,540. Referee: Stuart Cummings (England). Halftime: Australia 10-4.
 
Australia’s record in World Cup Finals
 
Year             Opponent                   Venue                                                     Result
1968            France                          Sydney Cricket Ground                    Won 20-2
1970            Great Britain               Headingley, Leeds                              Won 12-7
1972            Great Britain               Stade Municipal de Gerland, Lyon     Drew 10-all*
1977            Great Britain               Sydney Cricket Ground                      Won 13-12
1988            New Zealand               Eden Park, Auckland                         Won 25-12
1992            Great Britain               Wembley Stadium, London                 Won  10-6
1995            England                        Wembley Stadium, London               Won 16-8
2000            New Zealand               Old Trafford, Manchester                    Won 40-12
2008            New Zealand               Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane                Lost 20-34
2013            New Zealand               Old Trafford, Manchester                    Won 34-2

Note: Great Britain were awarded the 1972 World Cup due to their superior preliminary record. Australia also won the World Cup in 1957 and 1975 when no final was played
 
Summary: Played 10, won 8, lost 1, drew 1
  • England played in their only World Cup final in 1995, losing 16-8 to Australia
     
  • Great Britain won the World Cup on three occasions (1954, 1960 and 1972). They appeared in five finals (1954, 1970, 1972, 1977 and 1992)
     
  • Cameron Smith will be aiming to become only the fourth player to lead Australia to a World Cup victory on Australian soil. The others were:
Dick Poole                   1957
Johnny Raper              1968
Arthur Beetson             1977
 
  • Smith will have the opportunity to achieve a unique treble:
- Leading Melbourne Storm to premiership victory
- Leading Queensland to State of Origin series victory
- Leading Australia to World Cup victory
 
  • Fullback Billy Slater will reach the milestone of 30 Tests for Australia
     
  • England winger Jermaine McGillvary has scored at least one try in his past 10 Test matches and in all five of England’s appearances at the 2017 World Cup

Jermaine McGillvary’s Past 10 Test Appearances
 
Year                     Opponent                      Tries
2016                     France                                1
2016                     New Zealand                      1
2016                     Scotland                              1
2016                     Australia                              1
2017                     Samoa                                 1
2017                     Australia                               1
2017                     Lebanon                               1
2017                     France                                   2
2017                     Papua New Guinea               2
2017                     Tonga                                    1
 
 
Leading Tryscorers World Cup 2017
 
Tries                     Player
12                         Valentine Holmes (Australia)
9                           Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji)
7                           Jermaine McGillvary (England)
5                           Billy Slater (Australia)
5                           David Fusitu’a (Tonga)
5                           Michael Jennings (Tonga)
 
 
 
 
 
 
               Most Tries in a World Cup tournament
 
Tries                     Player                                                                 Year
12                         Valentine Holmes (Australia)                         2017
10                         Wendell Sailor (Australia)                              2000
9                           Lesley Vainikolo (New Zealand)                    2000
9                           Jarryd Hayne (Australia)                                2013
9                           Brett Morris (Australia)                                   2013
9                           Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji)                                      2017
 
  • Australian winger Valentine Holmes will have the opportunity to become the first player to finish as World Cup Leading Point Scorer without kicking a goal
 
 
Leading Point Scorers World Cup 2017
 
Points                  Player                                                                 T/G/FG               
48                         Valentine Holmes (Australia)                        12 tries
48                         Cameron Smith (Australia)                           24 goals
44                         Shaun Johnson (New Zealand)                    2 tries, 18 goals
41                         Gareth Widdop (England)                             2 tries, 16 goals, 1 field goal
40                         Rhyse Martin (Papua New Guinea)              2 tries, 16 goals
 
 
Australia’s Path to the Final
 
Opponent          Venue                                                                 Result
England               AAMI Park, Melbourne                                   Won 18-4
France                 GIO Stadium, Canberra                                  Won 52-6
Lebanon              Allianz Stadium, Sydney                                 Won 34-0
Samoa                 TIO Stadium, Darwin                                      Won 46-0 (quarter final)
Fiji                         Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane                           Won 54-6 (semi-final)
 
Summary: Played 5, won 5, for 204, against 16
 
 
England’s Path to the Final
 
Opponent          Venue                                                                 Result
Australia              AAMI Park, Melbourne                                    Lost 4-18
Lebanon              Allianz Stadium                                                Won 29-18
France                 nib Stadium, Perth                                           Won 36-6
PNG                      AAMI Park, Melbourne                                   Won 36-6 (quarter final)
Tonga                  Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland                            Won 20-18 (semi-final)
 
Summary: Played 5, won 4, lost 1, for 125, against 66
 
Source:    David Middleton
                    League Information Services
Rugby League World Cup finals fever takes over Brisbane

Rugby League World Cup finals fever takes over Brisbane

30/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 25019856
 

Thursday, 30 November 2017

Rugby League World Cup finals fever takes over Brisbane


Australian and Queensland legend Gorden Tallis, former England captain Kevin Sinfield, current Kangaroos, Jillaroos, England and NZ Kiwi Ferns players as well as local world boxing champion Jeff Horn will headline a two-day Finals Fest for fans kicking off at King George Square tomorrow (Friday), on the eve of the historic 2017 Rugby League World Cup finals on Saturday.

The Rugby League World Cup Finals Fest will take over King George Square to give fans the ultimate World Cup experience in the build-up to Saturday’s first-ever men’s and women’s World Cup finals double-header at Brisbane Stadium. 

Tallis and Sinfield will be on site to meet and greet Rugby League fans tomorrow (Friday) from 12.30pm AEST, with (non-playing) players from all four finals teams part of the Friday night line-up that also includes local boxing hero and Rugby League fan Horn and England’s Gary Corcoran. Horn and Corcoran will face-off in a world title fight in Brisbane on 13 December. 

Headlining the entertainment on Friday night will be Australian music sensations Sneaky Sound System and Rennie Adams. 

To add to the festivities in the city, iconic Brisbane landmarks will be lit up in the World Cup colours red and yellow, including the Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, QPAC, City Hall and Treasury Casino.
 
FINALS FEST 

Friday 1 December - GRAND FINAL EVE
All-day activations
  • QRL Maroon Zone with State of Origin Shield
  • Kids Zone with activities and face painting
  • Triple M Music and fan zone
  • CrownBet Ultimate Playmaker 
  • Isuzu utes and photo booth
  • World Cup highlights on the big screen
  • RLWC2017 merchandise.
Evening entertainment (from 5pm)
  • Sneaky Sound System performance
  • WBO Welterweight champion Jeff Horn and Gary Corcoran will make a special appearance LIVE on stage 
  • Meet and greet with (non-playing) players from all four (men’s and women’s) finals teams
  • Rennie Adams acoustic performance
  • A DJ on stage.
Saturday 2 December - GAME DAY
All-day Activations
  • Kids Zone with activities and face painting
  • Triple M Music and fan zone
  • CrownBet Ultimate Playmaker – test your precision and speed
  • Isuzu utes and photo booth
  • QRL Maroon Zone with State of Origin Shield and appearance from David Shillington
  • World Cup Highlights on the big screen
  • RLWC2017 merchandise
  • Food and beverage stands. 
Brisbane landmarks to be lit up
  • Story Bridge
  • Victoria Bridge
  • Radcliffe Place
  • Kurilpa Bridge 
  • King George Square and City Hall
  • Roma St Parklands
  • Queensland Performing Arts Centre
  • Treasury Casino
  • Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre. 
Finals Draw
Saturday, 2 December 2017
Brisbane Stadium
3.45pm AEST (4.45pm AEDT): 2017 Rugby League Women's World Cup
Australia Jillaroos v NZ Kiwi Ferns

7pm AEST (8pm AEDT): 2017 Rugby League World Cup
Australia v England
READ MORE
THE RLIF CONGRATULATES WORLD CUP FINALISTS

THE RLIF CONGRATULATES WORLD CUP FINALISTS

27/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24980621
 

26 November, 2017


THE RLIF CONGRATULATES WORLD CUP FINALISTS


Following a pulsating semi-final between England and Tonga, played in front of a capacity 30,000 crowd in Auckland, England booked their place to face Australia in the Men’s Rugby League World Cup Final in Brisbane on Saturday, December 2.

The RLIF Chief Executive David Collier commented: "The Tonga v England semi- final showcased the very best of Rugby League. The match was honoured by the presence of His Majesty King Tupou VI and the fans support for both teams created an electric atmosphere, with the match providing wonderful entertainment for fans around the world.
 
"This World Cup has been enriched by the performance and colourful support provided by the Pacific nations and, in particular, I wish to congratulate Tonga and Fiji on reaching the semi-final stage. For Fiji this was their third consecutive World Cup semi-final but Tonga, in their first semi- final, have provided memories which will live long in the hearts of Rugby League supporters".
 
Ten-time winners Australia will play in their 14th consecutive Final against England, whose three wins in World Cup Finals have all been in Great Britain shirts, with their most recent win being achieved in 1972. The two nations last met in the Final in 1995 at Wembley when Australia took the Paul Barrière World Cup by the narrow margin of 16-8.
 
The Kangaroos have been in imperious form conceding only three tries in their five games but will come up against a Wayne Bennett-inspired England team who will be looking to avenge the opening game defeat in Melbourne.
 
The progress which the international game is making has been exemplified by the Women's World Cup, which has been run alongside the Men's competition with both Finals being played at the Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, a first in world sport.
 
Following the semi-finals, the two outstanding teams in Women's Rugby League, the Australian Jillaroos and the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns, reached the Final by defeating Canada and England respectively in the semi-finals.
 
The Women’s player of the tournament will be revealed on Wednesday as part of the Final’s lunch from the following shortlist:
  • Ali Brigginshaw (Australia)
  • Honey Hireme (New Zealand)
  • Teuila Fotu-Moala (New Zealand)
Collier concluded: "I congratulate all the finalists and I would urge fans to come to the Suncorp Stadium to watch what should be a wonderful double header of World Cup Finals".

Tickets are available via www.rlwc2017.com.
READ MORE
HISTORY BECKONS IN RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINALS

HISTORY BECKONS IN RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINALS

27/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24980582

 

26 November, 2017


HISTORY BECKONS IN RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINALS



Australia and England will play in a World Cup final for only the second time after winning their (men’s) semi-finals in contrasting styles, while Australia and New Zealand will meet in a third successive Rugby League Women's World Cup decider in Brisbane next Saturday.

The last time the Kangaroos and England met to decide who would hold the Cup was in 1995 when England - captained by current assistant coach Denis Betts - lost 16-8 before a wonderful crowd of 66,540 at Wembley Stadium.

Australia had played Great Britain previously in the tournament final in 1970, 1972, 1977 and 1982 (Australia won all but the 1970 decider) but England has faced Australia only 15 times in internationals (Australia 12 wins, England 2, one draw).

The Australians were convincing in disposing of Fiji 54-6 in Brisbane on Fridaynight, dominating throughout, while the Wayne Bennett-coached English side had to withstand an incredible finish by the Tongans before winning 20-18 in Auckland.

Before a sea of Tongan-representative red created by the Mt Smart Stadium crowd of 30,003 – the biggest at the stadium since the Warriors attracted 32,174 for their clash with Illawarra Steelers in the Auckland-based side’s inaugural season of 1995 – the Mate Ma’a outfit were behind 20-0 with eight minutes remaining.

With Tonga scoring three converted tries to turn the stadium into a fever-pitched atmosphere, the game went down to the final controversial play of the game when Mate Ma'a prop Andrew Fifita lost control of the ball as he seemed set to cross for the match-winning try.

This means the teams who opened the tournament on 28 October in Melbourne – a match won 18-4 by Australia  – will complete it as well at Brisbane’s magnificent stadium at 7.30pm local time (8.30pm AEDT) on Saturday.

Australia go into the final as dominant favourites yet history shows that this was the case when they met New Zealand in the centenary World Cup in 2008 in Brisbane but went down 34-20.

No member of the Kangaroos team has won a World Cup on home soil as only two other Cup finals have been played in Australia – in 1968 when Australia beat France 20-2 and in 1977 when they defeated Great Britain 13-12 (both games were played at the Sydney Cricket Ground).

The decider will be a double-header with the Rugby League Women’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand, who each boast four dominant victories during the tournament in Cronulla after being unbeaten in the three round-robin matches and winning their semi-finals on Sunday.

While the Jillaroos are the World Cup holders after their historic 22-12 victory over the Kiwi Ferns at Headingley in 2013, New Zealand had won all three previous tournaments and beat the Australians 34-0 in the 2008 final played in Brisbane
.
This is the first time the men’s and women’s World Cup champions have been crowned on the same day at the same venue.

The Jillaroos qualified after triumphing 58-6 in their semi-final against a Canada team who won plenty of admirers during their first World Cup, while the Kiwi Ferns were equally impressive in defeating England Women 52-4 to secure a berth in their fifth successive World Cup final.

New Zealand winger Honey Hireme scored four of the Kiwi Ferns tries to take her tally for the tournament to 12 - the same number as Kangaroos winger and World Cup record breaker Valentine Holmes. 

Hireme is one of three players shortlisted for the Rugby League Women’s World Cup Player of the Tournament, which will be announced along with the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) Golden Boot winner on Wednesday (29 November) at the RLWC2017 Grand Final Lunch at the Sofitel Brisbane.
 
At the completion of today’s Rugby League Women’s World Cup semi-finals, the Seven Network confirmed Hireme, Kiwi Ferns team-mate Teuila Fotu-Moala and Australian playmaker Ali Brigginshaw (Australia Jillaroos) had been shortlisted for the award.
 
Meanwhile, the RLIF has confirmed the following shortlist for the Golden Boot award: Cameron Smith (Australia), Jason Taumalolo (Tonga), Jermaine McGillvary (England) and Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji).

Click on the links below for rights free match reports of the weekend's semi-final matches:

MEN’S:
Australia v Fiji 
England v Tonga 
WOMEN’S
New Zealand v England
Australia v Canada 

26 November, 2017


HISTORY BECKONS IN RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINALS



Australia and England will play in a World Cup final for only the second time after winning their (men’s) semi-finals in contrasting styles, while Australia and New Zealand will meet in a third successive Rugby League Women's World Cup decider in Brisbane next Saturday.

The last time the Kangaroos and England met to decide who would hold the Cup was in 1995 when England - captained by current assistant coach Denis Betts - lost 16-8 before a wonderful crowd of 66,540 at Wembley Stadium.

Australia had played Great Britain previously in the tournament final in 1970, 1972, 1977 and 1982 (Australia won all but the 1970 decider) but England has faced Australia only 15 times in internationals (Australia 12 wins, England 2, one draw).

The Australians were convincing in disposing of Fiji 54-6 in Brisbane on Fridaynight, dominating throughout, while the Wayne Bennett-coached English side had to withstand an incredible finish by the Tongans before winning 20-18 in Auckland.

Before a sea of Tongan-representative red created by the Mt Smart Stadium crowd of 30,003 – the biggest at the stadium since the Warriors attracted 32,174 for their clash with Illawarra Steelers in the Auckland-based side’s inaugural season of 1995 – the Mate Ma’a outfit were behind 20-0 with eight minutes remaining.

With Tonga scoring three converted tries to turn the stadium into a fever-pitched atmosphere, the game went down to the final controversial play of the game when Mate Ma'a prop Andrew Fifita lost control of the ball as he seemed set to cross for the match-winning try.

This means the teams who opened the tournament on 28 October in Melbourne – a match won 18-4 by Australia  – will complete it as well at Brisbane’s magnificent stadium at 7.30pm local time (8.30pm AEDT) on Saturday.

Australia go into the final as dominant favourites yet history shows that this was the case when they met New Zealand in the centenary World Cup in 2008 in Brisbane but went down 34-20.

No member of the Kangaroos team has won a World Cup on home soil as only two other Cup finals have been played in Australia – in 1968 when Australia beat France 20-2 and in 1977 when they defeated Great Britain 13-12 (both games were played at the Sydney Cricket Ground).

The decider will be a double-header with the Rugby League Women’s World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand, who each boast four dominant victories during the tournament in Cronulla after being unbeaten in the three round-robin matches and winning their semi-finals on Sunday.

While the Jillaroos are the World Cup holders after their historic 22-12 victory over the Kiwi Ferns at Headingley in 2013, New Zealand had won all three previous tournaments and beat the Australians 34-0 in the 2008 final played in Brisbane
.
This is the first time the men’s and women’s World Cup champions have been crowned on the same day at the same venue.

The Jillaroos qualified after triumphing 58-6 in their semi-final against a Canada team who won plenty of admirers during their first World Cup, while the Kiwi Ferns were equally impressive in defeating England Women 52-4 to secure a berth in their fifth successive World Cup final.

New Zealand winger Honey Hireme scored four of the Kiwi Ferns tries to take her tally for the tournament to 12 - the same number as Kangaroos winger and World Cup record breaker Valentine Holmes. 

Hireme is one of three players shortlisted for the Rugby League Women’s World Cup Player of the Tournament, which will be announced along with the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) Golden Boot winner on Wednesday (29 November) at the RLWC2017 Grand Final Lunch at the Sofitel Brisbane.
 
At the completion of today’s Rugby League Women’s World Cup semi-finals, the Seven Network confirmed Hireme, Kiwi Ferns team-mate Teuila Fotu-Moala and Australian playmaker Ali Brigginshaw (Australia Jillaroos) had been shortlisted for the award.
 
Meanwhile, the RLIF has confirmed the following shortlist for the Golden Boot award: Cameron Smith (Australia), Jason Taumalolo (Tonga), Jermaine McGillvary (England) and Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji).

Click on the links below for rights free match reports of the weekend's semi-final matches:

MEN’S:
Australia v Fiji 
England v Tonga 
WOMEN’S
New Zealand v England
Australia v Canada 
READ MORE
RLWC2017 DRAWS BIGGEST CROWD AT MT SMART IN 22 YEARS

RLWC2017 DRAWS BIGGEST CROWD AT MT SMART IN 22 YEARS

24/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24944571

 

Friday, 24 November 2017

 

RLWC2017 DRAWS BIGGEST CROWD AT MT SMART IN 22 YEARS
 
The Rugby League World Cup 2017 is pleased to announce tomorrow’s semi-final between Tonga and England at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium is a sell-out, drawing the biggest Rugby League crowd at that venue in 22 years.
 
A crowd of 30,000 is expected for the first-ever international between Tonga and England on Saturday (25 November), which is the biggest Rugby League crowd in New Zealand in five years, and the highest attendance at Mt Smart Stadium since 1995 when the Warriors attracted huge crowds in their inaugural season in the NRL.
 
It is also the second RLWC2017 sell-out in a fortnight in New Zealand, following the capacity crowd of 24,041 for the historic Round Three clash between Tonga and New Zealand at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium; and the largest crowd of the tournament across the three host countries to date.
  
RLWC2017 Chief Executive Andrew Hill said the support and passion shown by Rugby League fans in New Zealand had been a highlight of the tournament.
 
“Fans in New Zealand have been treated to some history-defining Rugby League contests and incredibly entertaining football over the past five weeks and they have truly embraced the tournament,” Hill said.
 
“Just as important as what has happened on the field has been the wonderful celebration of Rugby League off the field, inspired by the connection between the players and the community.”
 
The Rugby League World Cup 2017 can lay claim to being the most competitive and unpredictable in the tournament’s 63-year history with this week’s semi-final match-ups featuring giant-killers Fiji and Tonga against Australia and England.
 
New Zealand has played host to seven RLWC2017 matches in four venues – Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington – including two quarter-finals and tomorrow’s semi-final, with the winner of the Tonga-England clash to play the winner of tonight’s semi-final in Brisbane between Australia and Fiji next weekend (2 December in Brisbane).
 
Three of the five pool games in New Zealand recorded the biggest Rugby League crowds in New Zealand this year over three successive weekends – Auckland (17,857, Round 1), Hamilton (18,156, Round 2) and Hamilton (24,041, Round 3) - with more than 120,000 fans in total attending the seven matches.

RLWC2017 General Manager of New Zealand Andrea Nelson said the focus on showcasing New Zealand’s Pacific communities had paid dividends.

“Fans in this country, led by the Pacific communities, have produced live sport atmospheres rarely seen in New Zealand,” Nelson said.

“The scenes at our venues have captured the hearts of the public. This five weeks has been another great showcase of New Zealand’s ability to host big international events.”
 
Almost 500,000 fans in New Zealand watched the live broadcast of the historic showdown between the Kiwis and Tonga. Tonga won 28-22 in a thrilling encounter; the first time a second-tier nation has beaten a tier-one nation.
 
More than 6 million people in Australia have watched the broadcast of the World Cup to date on the screens of Seven, and a further 10.9 million live streaming minutes.
 
Millions more have watched the tournament across the 150 global television markets broadcasting the RLWC2017.

Friday, 24 November 2017

 

RLWC2017 DRAWS BIGGEST CROWD AT MT SMART IN 22 YEARS
 
The Rugby League World Cup 2017 is pleased to announce tomorrow’s semi-final between Tonga and England at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium is a sell-out, drawing the biggest Rugby League crowd at that venue in 22 years.
 
A crowd of 30,000 is expected for the first-ever international between Tonga and England on Saturday (25 November), which is the biggest Rugby League crowd in New Zealand in five years, and the highest attendance at Mt Smart Stadium since 1995 when the Warriors attracted huge crowds in their inaugural season in the NRL.
 
It is also the second RLWC2017 sell-out in a fortnight in New Zealand, following the capacity crowd of 24,041 for the historic Round Three clash between Tonga and New Zealand at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium; and the largest crowd of the tournament across the three host countries to date.
  
RLWC2017 Chief Executive Andrew Hill said the support and passion shown by Rugby League fans in New Zealand had been a highlight of the tournament.
 
“Fans in New Zealand have been treated to some history-defining Rugby League contests and incredibly entertaining football over the past five weeks and they have truly embraced the tournament,” Hill said.
 
“Just as important as what has happened on the field has been the wonderful celebration of Rugby League off the field, inspired by the connection between the players and the community.”
 
The Rugby League World Cup 2017 can lay claim to being the most competitive and unpredictable in the tournament’s 63-year history with this week’s semi-final match-ups featuring giant-killers Fiji and Tonga against Australia and England.
 
New Zealand has played host to seven RLWC2017 matches in four venues – Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington – including two quarter-finals and tomorrow’s semi-final, with the winner of the Tonga-England clash to play the winner of tonight’s semi-final in Brisbane between Australia and Fiji next weekend (2 December in Brisbane).
 
Three of the five pool games in New Zealand recorded the biggest Rugby League crowds in New Zealand this year over three successive weekends – Auckland (17,857, Round 1), Hamilton (18,156, Round 2) and Hamilton (24,041, Round 3) - with more than 120,000 fans in total attending the seven matches.

RLWC2017 General Manager of New Zealand Andrea Nelson said the focus on showcasing New Zealand’s Pacific communities had paid dividends.

“Fans in this country, led by the Pacific communities, have produced live sport atmospheres rarely seen in New Zealand,” Nelson said.

“The scenes at our venues have captured the hearts of the public. This five weeks has been another great showcase of New Zealand’s ability to host big international events.”
 
Almost 500,000 fans in New Zealand watched the live broadcast of the historic showdown between the Kiwis and Tonga. Tonga won 28-22 in a thrilling encounter; the first time a second-tier nation has beaten a tier-one nation.
 
More than 6 million people in Australia have watched the broadcast of the World Cup to date on the screens of Seven, and a further 10.9 million live streaming minutes.
 
Millions more have watched the tournament across the 150 global television markets broadcasting the RLWC2017.
READ MORE
History and Statistics: Australia v Fiji

History and Statistics: Australia v Fiji

24/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24944301

24 November, 2017


History and Statistics: Australia v Fiji
 

RLWC2017 is pleased to provide detailed notes for the media on each match during the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of the Rugby League World Cup.

Please credit League Information Services for the use of these statistics and history of previous matches between the teams.

AUSTRALIA v FIJI
  • These nations met in World Cup semi-finals in 2008 and 2013. Details were:
Australia 52 (B.Slater 3, J.Thurston 3, B.Tate 2, P.Gallen, G.Inglis tries; Thurston 6 goals) defeated Fiji 0 at Sydney Football Stadium, Sunday night, November 16, 2008 (7.55pm).
Scrums: Australia 8-6. Penalties: 4-all. Crowd: 15,855. Referee: Ashley Klein. Halftime: Australia 26-0. Goalkickers: Thurston (Australia) 6/10
AUSTRALIA: Billy Slater; Joel Monaghan, Greg Inglis, Israel Folau, Brent Tate; Darren Lockyer (c), Johnathan Thurston; Steve Price, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Anthony Laffranchi, Glenn Stewart, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Karmichael Hunt, Brent Kite, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon. Coach: Ricky Stuart.
FIJI: Jarryd Hayne; Semi Tadulala, Wes Naiqama (c), Daryl Millard, Akuila Uate; Alipate Noilea, Aaron Groom; Osea Sadrau, Waisale Sukanaveita, Ilisoni Vonomateiratu, Ashton Sims, Sevanaia Koroi, Jayson Bukuya. Interchange: James Storer, Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, Semisi Tora, Jone Wesele. Coach: Joe Dakuitoga.
 
Australia 64 (J.Hayne 3, D.Boyd 2, J.Thurston, C.Cronk, J.Papalii, J.Tamou, B.Morris, A.Fifita tries; Thurston 10 goals) defeated Fiji 0 at Wembley Stadium, London, Saturday, November 23, 2013 (3.30pm).
Scrums: Fiji 4-2. Penalties: Australia 10-6. Crowd: 67,545. Referee: Richard Silverwood. Halftime: Australia 34-0. Goalkickers: Thurston (Australia) 10/11. Man of the match: Johnathan Thurston (Australia).
AUSTRALIA: Greg Inglis; Brett Morris, Brent Tate, Jarryd Hayne, Darius Boyd; Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk; Matthew Scott, Cameron Smith (c), James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Daly Cherry-Evans, Josh Papalii, Andrew Fifita, Corey Parker. Coach: Tim Sheens.
FIJI: Kevin Naiqama; Marika Koroibete, Sisa Waqa, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate; Daryl Millard, Aaron Groom; Ashton Sims, James Storer, Petero Civoniceva (c), Tariq Sims, Jayson Bukuya, Eloni Vunakece. Interchange: Apisai Koroisau, Junior Roqica, Kane Evans, Semi Radradra. Coach: Rick Stone.
  • Fiji winger Suliasi Vunivalu is the leading tryscorer at RLWC2017, with eight. He is only two tries short of Wendell Sailor’s record of 10 for a World Cup tournament, set in 2000
Most Tries in a World Cup tournament
10        Wendell Sailor (Australia)                                 2000
 9          Lesley Vainikolo (New Zealand)                       2000
 9          Jarryd Hayne (Australia)                                   2013
 9          Brett Morris (Australia)                                      2013
 8          Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji)                                         2017
  • Australia have won all five World Cup matches played against Fiji
Year                Venue                                                                 Winner                Score
1995               McAlpine Stadium, Huddersfield                    Australia                       66-0
2000               Gateshead International Stadium                   Australia                       66-8
2008               Sydney Football Stadium                               Australia                       52-0
2013               Langtree Park, St Helens                               Australia                       34-2
2013               Wembley Stadium, London                            Australia                        64-0
  • Australian captain Cameron Smith will play his 16th World Cup match, eclipsing the all-time World Cup record of Australia’s Bob Fulton
Most World Cup Appearances
15                   Bob Fulton (Australia)
15                   Cameron Smith (Australia)
14                   Roger Millward (Great Britain, England)
14                   Arthur Beetson (Australia)
14                   Dennis Williams (New Zealand)
14                   George Nicholls (Great Britain, England)
14                   John Atkinson (Great Britain, England)
 
  • Australia are aiming for their 11th consecutive victory in World Cup competition
 
Australia’s Past 10 World Cup matches
 
Year                Opponent             Result
2013               England                  Won 28-20
2013               Fiji                           Won 34-2
2013               Ireland                     Won 50-0
2013               USA                         Won 62-0
2013               Fiji                           Won 64-0
2013               New Zealand           Won 34-2
2017               England                   Won 18-4
2017               France                     Won 52-6
2017               Lebanon                  Won 34-0
2017               Samoa                     Won 46-0
 
  • Australian fullback Billy Slater and Fiji’s Jarryd Hayne are the leading try scorers in World Cup history with 14
 
Most World Cup Tries
14                    Jarryd Hayne (Australia, Fiji)
14                    Billy Slater (Australia)
13                    Bob Fulton (Australia)
11                    Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand)
10                    Wendell Sailor (Australia)
 9                     Clive Sullivan (Great Britain, England)
 9                     Lesley Vainikolo (New Zealand)
 9                     Brett Morris (Australia)
 9                     Ryan Hall (England)
 9                     Michael Jennings (Tonga, Australia)
 
  • Australia have not conceded a second-half point in their past nine World Cup games
     
  • Fiji play in Brisbane for the first time
     
  • Australia have lost their past three Tests at Suncorp Stadium. Their last win was in 2009
 
Australia’s Past four Tests at Suncorp Stadium
 
Year                Opponent                Result
2009               New Zealand            Won 38-10
2010               New Zealand            Lost 12-16
2014               New Zealand            Lost 12-30
2015               New Zealand            Lost 12-26
READ MORE
RLWC2017 MEDIA DIARY: FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER

RLWC2017 MEDIA DIARY: FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER

23/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24934501

Thursday, 23 November 2017


RLWC2017 MEDIA DIARY: FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER


Media activities for teams in the RLWC2017 and Rugby League Women's World Cup semi-finals are listed below.

Tomorrow (Friday) is game day for Australia and Fiji in the first semi-final at Brisbane Stadium; while In Auckland, Tonga and England will conduct their captain's runs at Mt Smart Stadium ahead of their semi-final on Saturday.

The semi-finals of the Rugby League Women's World Cup are in Sydney on Sunday at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

NOTE: Times are subject to change. For specific interview requests, please contact the team Media Managers directly.

RLWC2017 media accreditation is required for access to Captain's Runs at official match venues.

Men's semi-finals draw:
Friday, 24 November
Brisbane Stadium
Australia v Fiji, 7pm AEST (8pm AEDT)

Saturday, 25 November
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Tonga v England, 6pm NZDT (4pm AEDT)

Women's semi-finals draw:
Sunday, 26 November
Southern Cross Stadium, Cronulla

England v New Zealand, 1.45pm (AEDT)
Australia v Canada, 4pm (AEDT)
READ MORE
Rugby League Women's World Cup Wrap, Tables & Statistics

Rugby League Women's World Cup Wrap, Tables & Statistics

23/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24933127
 

To access the Media Guide for the Rugby League Women's World Cup, please click here

23 November, 2017


Rugby League Women's World Cup Wrap, Tables & Statistics


Australia will play Canada and New Zealand will meet England in the semi-finals of the Rugby League Women's World Cup at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Sunday, following the completion of the pool rounds.

The Kiwi Ferns, who have won four of the previous five Women's World Cups, finished unbeaten at the top of Pool B after wins against Canada, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea, while the world champion Jillaroos were also undefeated in the pool rounds to top Pool A after wins over Cook Islands, England and Canada.

The Jillaroos crossed for a remarkable 37 tries in their three pool games and scored a total of 184 points while conceding just four points, but New Zealand were just as impressive and also conceded just one try while scoring 164 points.

However, the individual player statistics underline the talent that also exists in the other nations, with players from Canada, Cook Islands, England and Papua New Guinea featuring prominently among the leader boards.

While the Cooks Islands Moana and PNG Orchids bow out of the tournament after Wednesday night, both teams won many admirers for the their skill and courage among the fans who attended the three rounds of pool games at Southern Cross Group Stadium or watched on the screens of Seven.

The Moana's win over England on Wednesday and Canada's historic defeat of the Orchids last Sunday to secure a semi-final berth were among the highlights of the World Cup so far and culminated in emotional scenes at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

PNG Orchids also did themselves and the Rugby League-mad nation proud at their first Rugby League Women's World Cup and trailed just 8-0 at half time against the Kiwi Ferns on Wednesday night.

The kick-off times for the semi-finals of the Rugby League Women's World Cup on Sunday, 26 November at Southern Cross Group Stadium are:
  • 1.45pm (AEDT): England v New Zealand
  • 4pm (AEDT): Australia v Canada

The winners will meet in the final at Brisbane Stadium on Saturday, 2 December, which will be the first time the Rugby League Women's World Cup champions have been crowned at the same venue on the same day as the men's World Cup victors.

Please find tables, statistic leader boards and results from the pool rounds below:
 
Tables after the completion of Round 3 Pool matches
 
  Pool A Won Lost Draw For Against Diff Points
  Australia     3       0       0      184           4  +180    6
  England     1    2    0        52          68    -16    2
  Cook Islands     1    2    0        26        150  -124    2
 
  Pool B Won Lost Draw For Against Diff Points
  New Zealand             3      0     0    164         4         +160    6
  Canada    1     2       0       26     146          -120       2
  Papua New Guinea    0     3     0       16         96               -80    0
   
Try Scorers
 
   Player      Nation Tries  Points
 Honey Hireme       New Zealand      8     32
 Karina Brown  Australia    4        16  
 Vanessa Foliaki  Australia      4     16 
 Elianna Walton  Australia     4     16
 
Point Scorers
 
   Player Nation Tries  Goals   GK%  Points
  Kimiora Nati          New Zealand       0     17    73.91    34
  Honey Hireme  New Zealand      8         0     N/A    32
  Maddie Studdon  Australia      1    12     63.16      28  
  Caitlin Moran  Australia    3      4   44.40    20
    
Tackles
 
   Player Nation  Games  Tackles   Avg
  Emily Rudge  England        3     95   31.67
  Kimiora Nati          New Zealand        2       56     28
  Gillian Boag  Canada      2    55    27.5 
  Andrea Dobson  England      3    82   27.33
   
Try Assists
 
   Player Nation  Games  TAs   Avg
  Maddie Studdon  Australia        2    6     3
  Ali Brigginshaw       Australia        3       7       2.33
  Shontelle Woodman  New Zealand       2    4      2
  Amelia Kuk  PNG       1    2     2
   
Line Breaks
 
   Player Nation Games  LBs  Avg
  Honey Hireme          New Zealand         2     10     5
  Teuila Fotu-Moala  New Zealand       1      3      3
  Isabelle Kelly  Australia        2    5    2.5  
 
Run Metres
 
   Player Nation Games Metres   Avg
  Honey Hireme  New Zealand        2     352.6  176.3
  Isabelle Kelly  Australia       2       328.2    164.1
  Amelia Kuk  PNG Orchids      1    149.8   149.8  
  Raecene McGregor  New Zealand     1    144.8  144.8
  Karina Brown  Australia     2    289.4  144.7
  Toka Natua  Cook Islands     3    421.6  140.53
   
Offloads
 
   Player Nation  Games Offloads    Avg
  Toka Natua          Cook Islands         3      14    4.67
  Brenda Goro  PNG Orchids         2          6      3
  Andrea Dobson  England         3       6     2  
  Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate  Cook Islands       3       6    2
   
Post Contact Metres
 
   Player Nation  Games  PCM   Avg
  Simiana Taufa-Kautai        Australia       2  133.5  66.75
  Natasha Smith  Canada       2   111.9    55.95
  Heather Ballinger  Australia       2  106    53.00  
  Toka Natua  Cook Islands     3  154.7      51.57
  Steph Hancock  Australia     2  101  50.5
   
Results

Round 3
Wednesday, 22 November at Southern Cross Group Stadium

Cook Islands Moana 22 England Women 16
Australia Jillaroos 88 Canada Ravens 0
NZ Kiwi Ferns 38 PNG Orchids 0


Round 2
Sunday, 19 November at Southern Cross Group Stadium
Australia Jillaroos 38 England Women 0
NZ Kiwi Ferns 76 Cook Islands 0
Canada Ravens 22 PNG Orchids 8
 
Round 1
Thursday, 16 November at Southern Cross Group Stadium
NZ Kiwi Ferns 50 Canada Ravens 4
Australia 58 Cook Islands 4
England Women 36 PNG Orchids 8
 
READ MORE
Rugby League Women's World Cup 2017 Media Guide

Rugby League Women's World Cup 2017 Media Guide

16/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24847626

16 November, 2017


Rugby League Women's World Cup 2017 Media Guide 



RLWC2017 is pleased to be able to provide an official Media Guide for the Rugby League Women's World Cup.

To access the Rugby League Women's World Cup 2017 Media Guide, click on the link below.

The RLWC2017 Media Guide includes player profiles for the six nations, details of previous Rugby League Women's World Cups and other useful information, including the full draw and tournament rules and processes.

Rugby League Women's World Cup 2017 Media Guide 



RUGBY LEAGUE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP DRAW: ROUND 1
Thursday, 16 November 2017
Southern Cross Stadium, Cronulla

1.45pm AEDT New Zealand v Canada
4pm AEDT Australia v Cook Islands
6.30pm AEDT England v Papua New Guinea
READ MORE
TEAMS NAMED FOR WOMEN'S RLWC2017 ROUND 1

TEAMS NAMED FOR WOMEN'S RLWC2017 ROUND 1

15/11/2017, Australia, Rugby League, Rugby League World Cup, Article # 24840145

15 November, 2017


TEAMS NAMED FOR WOMEN'S RLWC2017 ROUND 1


 

The Women's Rugby League World Cup kicks off tomorrow (Thursday) in Sydney and the six nations - Australia, Canada, Cook Islands, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea - have named 19-player squads for their games.

The line-ups will be further reduced to 17 and finalised 60 minutes before kick-off in their respective matches of the opening triple-header at Cronulla's Southern Cross Group Stadium (please see kick off times below).

An online Media Guide for the Women's Rugby League World Cup will be available from tomorrow and a link will be sent to accredited media and those on the RLWC2017 mailing list.


Women's Rugby League World Cup Round 1 
Thursday, 16 November
Southern Cross Group Stadium
 
New Zealand v Canada (1.45pm AEDT)
Referee: Jake Sutherland
Touch judges: Todd Smith, Alison Watters
Video Referee: Shayne Hayne
 
 
NZ Kiwi Ferns

1 Apii NICHOLLS-PUALAU
2 Atawhai TUPAEA
3 Maitua FETERIKA
4 Shontelle WOODMAN
5 Honey HIREME
6 Georgia HALE
7 Kimiora NATI
8 Lilieta MAUMAU
9 Krystal ROTA
10 Bunty KURUWAKA-CROWE
11 Sharlene ATAI
12 Teuila FOTU-MOALA
13 Laura MARIU (c)
14 Nita MAYNARD
15 Krystal MURRAY
16 Ngatokotoru ARAKUA
17 Amber KANI
18 Luisa GAGO
19 Kahurangi PETERS
 
Canada Ravens

1 Nina BUI
2 Irene PATRINOS
3 Maira ACEVEDO
4 Natasha SMITH
5 Tiera REYNOLDS
6 Stevi SCHNOOR
7 Sabrina MCDAID
8 Mackenzie FANE
9 Barbara WADDELL
10 Gillian BOAG
11 Megan PAKULIS
12 Andrea BURK
13 Mandy MARCHAK (c)
14 Natalie TAM
15 Kathleen GRUDZINSKI
16 Fedelia OMOGHAN
17 Janai HAUPAPA
18 Michelle HELMECZI
19 Natalie KING
 
Cook Islands v Australia (4pm AEDT)
Referee: Antoinette Watts
Touch judges: Bianca Zietsmen, Joey Butler
Video Referee: Shayne Hayne
 
Cook Islands Moana

1 Kiana TAKAIRANGI
2 Beniamina KOIATU
3 Chantelle Inangaro SCHOFIELD
4 Crystal TAMARUA
5 Urshla KERE
6 Lydia TURUA-QUEDLEY
7 Manea POA-MAOATE
8 Toka NATUA
9 Inangaro MARAEARA
10 Karol-Ann TANEVESI
11 Jayne KAREROA
12 Te Amohaere NGATA-AERENGAMATE
13 Te Kura NGATA-AERENGAMATE
14 Katelyn ARONA
15 Danielle APAIANA
16 Stephanie WILSON
17 Eliza WILSON
18 Josina SINGAPU
19 Cecelia STRICKLAND

Australia Jillaroos

 1 Nakia DAVIS-WELSH
 5 Meg WARD
19 Annette BRANDER
 4 Isabelle KELLY
 2 Karina BROWN
 6 Ali BRIGGINSHAW
 7 Caitlin MORAN
 8 Stephanie HANCOCK (c)
 9 Brittany BREAYLEY
16 Rebecca YOUNG
12 Kezie APPS
11 Lavina O'MEALEY
13 Vanessa FOLIAKI
14 Maddie STUDDON
17 Talesha QUINN
18 Zahara TEMARA
 21 Simiana TAUFA-KAUTAI
  3 Corban MCGREGOR
10 Heather BALLINGER


Papua New Guinea v England (6.30pm AEDT)
Referee: Tyson Brough
Touch Judges: Jake Sutherland, Alison Watters
Video Referee: Shayne Hayne
 
 
PNG Orchids

1 Amelia KUK
2 Joan KUMAN
3 Anne OIUFA
4 Naomi KAUPA
5 Elvinah AARON
6 Shirley JOE
7 Fay SOGAVO
8 Maima WEI
9 Delailah AHOSE
10 Brenda GORO
11 Cathy NEAP
12 Carol HUMEU
13 Della AUDAMA
14 Christie BULHAGE
15 Martha KARL
16 Jazmyn TAUMAFAI
17 Janet MICHAEL
18 Helen ABAU
19 Vanessa PALME
 
 
England Women

1 Jodie CUNNINGHAM
2 Tara-Jane STANLEY
3 Amy HARDCASTLE
4 Jessica COURTMAN
5 Charlotte BOOTH
6 Kirsty MORONEY
7 Jenny WELSBY
8 Emma SLOWE
9 Lois FORSELL
10 Danika PRIIM
11 Shona HOYLE
12 Beth SUTCLIFFE
13 Andrea DOBSON (c)
14 Danielle BOUND
15 Chantelle CROWL
16 Emily RUDGE
17 Katherine HEPWORTH
18 Faye GASKIN
19 Rachel THOMPSON
 
READ MORE
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