Here’s what you might have missed overnight at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
Match: England v Papua New Guinea
Quarter Finals -
home Team
England
away Team
Papua New Guinea
Venue: DW Stadium, Wigan
The main takeaways
- England have announced themselves as one of the teams to beat in the World Cup with an explosive opening 40 minutes paving the way for a 42-4 win. Shaun Wane's side scored in five consecutive sets throughout the first half, to remarkably lead Papua New Guinea 38-0 after just 27 minutes of play.
- Winger Tommy Makinson scored five tries, while Dominic Young extended his try-scoring run to nine tries in four World Cup with another four-pointer.
- Jimmy Ngutlik scored his side's only try of the game with a great diving effort in the left corner after a grubber kick from Alex Johnston.
Star performers
Thomas Burgess laid a strong platform early for England and was rewarded with the opening four-pointer of the game, while halfback George Williams was at the heart of England's attacking dominance throughout the opening 40 minutes. Williams had several try assists and a try of his own, while Sam Tomkins, Kallum Watkins and Dominic Young all showed moments of class in attack. Winger Tommy Makinson finished the match with five tries on the left edge, becoming the first player to ever score five tries in a game for England.
What the result means
England are through to the semi-finals where they will face the winner of Tonga and Samoa while Papua New Guinea head home having automatically secured qualification for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup following their quarter-final exit.
Recap
- Match report: Five-star Makinson powers electric England into semi-finals
- Key injuries: Jeremiah Simbiken (head knock)
Match Highlights: England v Papua New Guinea
Match: New Zealand v Fiji
Quarter Finals -
home Team
New Zealand
away Team
Fiji
Venue: MKM Stadium, Hull
The main takeaways
- New Zealand are through to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2013.
- Fiji led 12-0 at one stage and were in front for most of the game before being run down, with the Kiwis not taking the lead until 10 minutes from full-time.
- The Kiwis successfully challenged an on-field call of a knock on to earn the penalty which gave them the lead with 10 minutes to go, before a late Jordan Rapana try put the result beyond doubt.
Star performers
Joey Manu was outstanding for New Zealand, putting his hand up for work all game and finishing with 348 run metres. The Roosters star also scored a try and broke 13 tackles. Sharks wing Ronaldo Mulitalo had a big game too, scoring a try and claiming a crucial defensive bomb late in the match as Fiji threatened to retake the lead. He also ran for 256 metres. For Fiji, Sunia Turuva caused big issues for the Kiwis from the back, while Tui Kamikamica chewed through 176 metres.
What the result means
New Zealand are through to face Australia in the semi-finals, narrowly avoiding a quarter-final exit at the hands of Fiji for the second World Cup in a row. Fiji can look back on a brilliant performance in which they fell just short of advancing to the second round of the knockout stages.
Recap
- Match report: New Zealand survive scare against brave Bati
- Key injuries: Nil.
Match Highlights: New Zealand v Fiji
Match: England v Canada
Round 2 -
home Team
England
away Team
Canada
Venue: DW Stadium, Wigan
The main takeaways
- England are on track to top Group A after a second straight demolition win, this time dominating Canada from start to finish to record a 54-4 victory.
- England scored tries inside the opening minute of each half, with Leah Burke (36 seconds) and Tara-Jane Stanley (49 seconds) the try-scorers.
- Stanley scored three tries to take her World Cup tally to five.
- Despite sitting several of their stars from their opening pool game, the hosts showed their depth in talent with several players impressing in the win.
Star performers
Fullback Francesca Goldthorp looked dangerous every time she touched the ball and was rewarded with a great solo try midway through the first half, while the class of Courtney Winfield-Hill also shone through in the halves. Hollie Dodd came off the bench against Brazil, but earned her first start against Canada and bagged a first half double while Tara Jane-Stanley had two tries of her own in the second half. Lock forward Vicky Molyneux was named as the official player of the match.
What the result means
Having secured their spot in the semi-finals, England will now face Papua New Guinea next week in their final pool game with top spot in Group A on the line. While they won't be able to progress through to the knockout rounds, Canada will take on Brazil in a bid to secure their first win of the World Cup, with all four teams set to feature as part of a double-header at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
Recap
- Report: England Lionesses roar to convincing win over Ravens
- Key injuries: Brittany Jones (leg)
Match Highlights: England v Canada
Match: Papua New Guinea v Brazil
Round 2 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
away Team
Brazil
Venue: MKM Stadium, Hull
The main takeaways
- Papua New Guinea have progressed beyond the group stages of a Women's World Cup for the first time.
- The Orchids led 18-0 at the break before a second-half blitz saw them pile on a further 52 points in 40 minutes.
- Brazil battled on despite losing two players to failed HIAs inside the first half.
Star performers
Powerful centre Belinda Gwasamun was in everything against Brazil, breaking through 18 tackles on her way to 282 run metres. She scored four tries and at times Brazil had no answer for her. Up front Elsie Albert set the tone with a strong running performance which saw her make 245 metres and score a try.
What the result means
PNG have booked their spot in the opening round of finals, while for Brazil their hopes of advancing are over. The Orchids are set to play either Australia or New Zealand in the quarter finals, with both the Group B results and the result of PNG v England up next to dictate the knockout matchups. Brazil will now focus on trying to pick up their first ever World Cup win against Canada in the final round of group play.
Recap
- Match report: Orchids blitz Brazil to secure semi spot
- Key injuries: Byanca Santa Rita (head knock), Giovanna Barth (head knock)
Match Highlights: Papua New Guinea v Brazil
