Here’s what you might have missed overnight at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
Match: Lebanon v Ireland
Round 2 -
home Team
Lebanon
away Team
Ireland
Venue: Leigh Sports Village Stadium, Leigh
The main takeaways
- Short of Ireland upsetting the Kiwis next week, the win means Lebanon can secure a quarter-final spot with a win over Jamaica in their final pool game.
- Lebanon enjoyed 61 percent of the possession and completed 81 percent of their sets.
- Ireland competed in most of the key stat categories, but completed just 22 of 38 sets to lose the possession battle.
Star performers
Mitch Moses was on fire in this one, rising to the occasion without the suspended Adam Doueihi in the side. Moses set up two of Lebanon's tries and ran the ball for 143 metres in the win. Powerful Bulldog Jacob Kiraz was dominant at the back too, setting up a try and scoring one of his own, in addition to breaking through five tackles., Back-rower Elie El-Zakham was strong, clocking up 192 run metres.
Moses masterclass
What the result means
This was a must-win clash for Lebanon and effectively a make-or-break for Ireland. Lebanon will be odds-on to beat Jamaica next week, and unless Ireland can pull off the upset of the tournament by beating the Kiwis, it means Lebanon will advance as the second team out of Group C.
Recap
- Match report: Moses leads Lebanon to fiery win over Ireland
- Key injuries: Jacob Kiraz (head knock), Kayne Kalache (head knock)
Match Highlights: Lebanon v Ireland
Match: Samoa v Greece
Round 2 -
home Team
Samoa
away Team
Greece
Venue: Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster
The main takeaways
- A dominant performance with ball in hand saw Samoa clock up over 2400 metres in running, while they held their opponents to under 900 in total.
- The win means Samoa are through to the quarterfinals if they can beat France in their final group match.
- Jaydn Su'a was sin-binned with seven minutes for a dangerous tackle involving shoulder contact.
Star performers
Panthers duo Jarome Luai and Brian To'o were outstanding for Samoa, with Luai having a direct involvement in six tries, with five assists and one of his own. To'o meanwhile had 370 metres gained - 144 of which came after contact - and 17 tackle breaks. Former Bulldogs and Dragons centre Tim Lafai was strong in his first Test since 2019, running for 253 metres, scoring two tries and setting two up.
Luai bounces back
What the result means
Samoa have regained control of their own destiny after their opening-round disaster against England and will advance to the quarters with a win over France next week. Greece's maiden World Cup will end with a clash against England.
Recap
- Match report: Luai, To'o lead Samoa to big win over Greece
- Key injuries: Nil.
Match Highlights: Samoa v Greece
