2008 Rugby League World Cup matches
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup's eighteen matches were played during October and November in various locations throughout the East coast of Australia. The tournament's teams were divided into three pool groups. The teams finishing highest amongst those groups progressed to the play-offs.
Contents |
[edit] Pre-tournament Matches
Before the tournament began several teams played warm up matches to prepare themselves for the World Cup and to help select their squads. Qualifying matches began in 2006 and finished with a repechage tournament in November 2007. Samoa won that tournament and secured the tenth place.
[edit] Warm Up Matches
| 10 October 2008 | England  |
74 – 0 |  Wales |
Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Attendance: 11,263 Referee/s: Steve Ganson Man of the Match: Rob Purdham |
| Try: Briscoe (2) Sykes (2) Gleeson (2) Myler (2) Purdham Calderwood Clubb Hock McCarthy-Scarsbrook Fox Goal: Purdham (9) |
(report) |
| 12 October 2008 | All Golds  |
44 – 10 |  New Zealand Māori |
Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Referee/s: Leon Williamson |
| Try: Vatuvei (2) Hohaia (2) Sa Inu Perrett Wiki Goal: Luke (3) Inu (2) Swann |
(report) | Try: Kenny-Dowall Nightingale Goal: Locke |
| 12 October 2008 | PNG Residents  |
12 – 22 | PNG Internationals |
Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby Attendance: 10,000+ Referee/s: Shayne Hayne  Man of the Match: Neville Costigan [1] |
| Try: Marabe Riyong Goal: J. Joe John |
(report) | Try: Keppa S. Joe Bond Goal: Wilshere (3) |
| 18 October 2008 | New Zealand |
56 – 8 |  Tonga |
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland Referee/s: Jason Robinson |
| Try: Ropati (3) Nightingale (2) Marshall (2) Sa Leuluai Mannering Goal: Inu (6) Matai (2) |
(report) | Try: Vuna Leo-Latu |
[edit] Welcome to the Country Match
As part of the official opening of the World Cup on October 26, an exhibition game was played between an Aboriginal selection and a New Zealand Māori side.[2]
| 26 October 2008 | Indigenous Dreamtime |
34 – 26 | New Zealand Māori |
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 34,157 Referee/s: Tony Archer |
| Try: Wesser (2) Jensen (2) Carney Gordon Goal: Soward (5) |
(report) | Try: McKendry Kenny-Dowall Stanley Rapana Taumata Goal: Goodwin (2) Stanley |
[edit] Group A
[edit] England vs Papua New Guinea
The World Cup tournament opened with England facing Papua New Guinea at Townsville in tropical North Queensland. It was to be the first time the two nations had met, the Kumuls having only played against Great Britain previously.
ENGLAND:
1. Paul Wellens · 2. Ade Gardner · 3. Martin Gleeson · 4. Keith Senior · 5. Lee Smith · 6. Leon Pryce · 7. Rob Burrow
8. Jamie Peacock (c) · 9. James Roby · 10. James Graham · 11. Gareth Hock · 12. Gareth Ellis · 13. Kevin Sinfield
Interchange: 14. Danny McGuire · 15. Maurie Fa'asavalu · 16. Adrian Morley · 17. Jon Wilkin
Coach: Tony Smith
PAPUA NEW GUINEA:
1. John Wilshere (c) · 2. David Moore · 3. Tu'u Maori · 4. Jessie Joe Parker · 5. George Kepa · 6. Stanley Gene · 7. Keith Peters
8. Makali Aizue · 9. Paul Aiton · 10. Trevor Exton · 11. Neville Costigan · 12. James Nightingale · 13. Rod Griffin
Interchange: 14. Rodney Pora · 15. George Moni · 16. Jason Chan · 17. Charlie Wabo
Coach: Adrian Lam
| 25 October 2008 | England |
32 – 22 | Papua New Guinea |
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville Attendance: 10,780 Referee/s: Shayne Hayne Man of the Match: James Roby |
| Tries: Gardner 12' c, 70' c Smith 28' c, 51' m, 73' m Gleeson 58' c Goals: Sinfield (4) |
(report) | Tries: Griffin 20' c Chan 36' c Keppa 40' m Aiton 75' c Goals: Wilshere (3) |
The first points of the tournament were scored in the twelfth minute of the game by English winger Ade Gardner[3] who received a short ball from dummy-half James Roby close to the try-line and dived over in the right corner. Kevin Sinfield's sideline conversion was successful and the score was 6 nil. PNG responded with a try of their own seven minutes later when Rod Griffin, running a good line, received the ball from dummy-half Paul Aiton and crashed over near the uprights. John Wilshere kicked the extras and with a quarter of the match gone the score was level at 6 all. In the twenty-sixth minute PNG's Jessie Joe Parker was taken from the field and subsequently to hospital with a suspected fractured eye socket. Two minutes later England were on the attack and spread it out wide to the left this time for Lee Smith who crossed for a try in his World Cup debut. Sinfield was again successful with his sideline conversion, making the score 12 - 6 in favour of the English with ten minutes of the first half remaining. The Kumuls however were dominating possession, making their opposition do a mountain of defence, and just after the 35-minute mark, while raiding England's line again, PNG's five-eighth, Stanley Gene (playing in his third consecutive World Cup[4]), threw a cut-out pass to Jason Chan that saw him cross untouched for Papua New Guinea's second try. Wilshere's conversion made the scores level once again. With a minute until the half-time siren Kumuls halfback Keith Peters sent a high kick across-field which England couldn't secure and it bounced up for winger George Kepa who put it down in the corner. The video referee ruled it was a try and Wilshere's attempt at goal from the sideline was missed so Papua New Guinea went into the half-time break leading 16 - 12.
Less than seven minutes into the second half Papua New Guinea crossed England's line again but the try was disallowed by Shane Hayne for a slightly forward pass. England were the first to score with Smith crossing from close range in the fifty-first minute to pick up his second try and level the scores again. Sinfield's conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 16 all. The English however, with the weight of possession, raided the Kumuls' line repeatedly and scored again in the 58th minute with halfback Rob Burrow dummying wide before passing back inside for Martin Gleeson to go over untouched from close range. This gave England the lead once more and Sinfield converted the try, pushing the margin out to six points with just over a quarter of the match remaining. With Papua New Guinea struggling to get out of their own half, England's Danny McGuire sent his winger Smith over the try-line once again, but the pass was ruled to have been forward.[5] However in the seventieth minute, England worked the ball to the other wing and Gardner crossed out wide for his second try off what appeared to be a forward pass from Leon Pryce. Sinfield's boot added the extras to give England the biggest lead of the match so far at 28 - 16. Three minutes later, now back on the other wing, England made a break and got the ball to Smith who crossed again. The video referee was required to check the grounding as PNG's fullback Wilshere had gotten his arm between the ground and the ball, but the try was awarded, giving Smith a hat-trick.[6] Sinfield's conversion attempt was wide but England had scored twenty unanswered points in the second half and had a comfortable lead at 32 - 16 with only six minutes to play left. This would not be the final score however, as from the re-start Papua New Guinea went for the short kick-off and successfully re-gathered, going on the attack. On the last tackle Peters sent a grubber through and Aiton dived on it for the Kumuls' fourth try. Wilshere's conversion put the final score at 32 - 22.
[edit] Australia vs New Zealand
Although this was actually the second World Cup match to be played, it featured the tournament's opening ceremony as it was the first game featuring hosts Australia and was played in Sydney.
AUSTRALIA:
1. Billy Slater · 2. Joel Monaghan · 3. Greg Inglis · 4. Israel Folau · 5. Brent Tate · 6. Darren Lockyer (c) · 7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Steve Price · 9. Cameron Smith · 10. Petero Civoniceva · 11. Anthony Laffranchi · 12. Glenn Stewart · 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: Kurt Gidley · Brent Kite · Anthony Tupou · Josh Perry
Coach: Ricky Stuart
NEW ZEALAND:
1. Lance Hohaia · 2. Sam Perrett · 3. Steve Matai · 4. Jerome Ropati · 5. Manu Vatuvei · 6. Benji Marshall · 7. Thomas Leuluai
8. Nathan Cayless (c) · 9. Nathan Fien · 10. Adam Blair · 11. Simon Mannering · 12. Sika Manu · 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: Dene Halatau · Greg Eastwood · Setaimata Sa · Sam Rapira
Coach: Stephen Kearney
| 26 October 2008 | Australia |
30 – 6 | New Zealand |
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 34,157 Referee/s: Ashley Klein Man of the Match: Johnathan Thurston[7] |
| Tries: Inglis 14' c Monaghan 30' c Folau 48' m, 80' c Slater 60' c Goals: Thurston (4) Smith |
(report) | Try: Manu 26' c Goal: Matai |
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The first points of the match came from a penalty kick by Johnathan Thurston (playing despite the murder of his uncle the previous day in a Brisbane park[8]) after New Zealand's Simon Mannering held Brett Stewart down for too long in a tackle at the 9-minute mark. Three minutes later the Kiwis were again penalised in their own territory when Steve Matai's swinging arm struck Paul Gallen in the head, the incident being placed on report.[9] Australia opted to attack New Zealand's line and the first try of the match went to Greg Inglis who beat his opposite number Matai to dive over. Thurston's successful conversion gave the Kangaroos an 8 nil lead. Later as the Kiwis were on the attack, second-rower Sika Manu, playing his debut match for New Zealand, ran an inside line onto a Benji Marshall short ball and found a way through the middle of Australia's defence to touch down near the uprights just on 27 minutes. Matai's conversion brought the margin back to two points. Shortly after however, Australia struck back through debutant winger Joel Monaghan whose try was awarded by the on-field referee after the video official referred the decision back to him. Thurston's conversion gave the Kangaroos a 14 - 6 lead going into the half-time break.
Australia were again the first to score in the second half, this time on the right side, with Israel Folau's arm reaching out over one of his tacklers at the goal-line to plant the ball down in the 48th minute. Thurston missed his first kick of the night so the score was 18 - 6. Ten minutes later Brent Tate was being taken from the field with a neck injury[10] just before the Australian halfback Thurston made a break mid-field and, as he was being brought to the ground by a defender, threw the ball back for Billy Slater to regather and score. Thurston then kicked the extras, pushing Australia's lead out to three converted tries with just under a quarter of the match remaining. With less than three minutes of game time left the Kiwis looked to have scored a consolation try when Jerome Ropati crashed over out wide, the decision being put to the video referee. The replay however showed that the Australian fullback, Slater, had slid across in despration feet-first, knocking the ball from Ropati's grasp with his boot just before he could touch it to the ground. In the final seconds of the match Australia scored one more try when quick hands from Slater flicked the ball out wide for Folau who dived over for his second. Cameron Smith was assigned the conversion from the side-line and was successful, giving the Kangaroos a 30 - 6 victory.
[edit] New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea
In the second week of the tournament, Group A's New Zealand and Papua New Guinea faced off at Queensland's Gold Coast. It was the first time the two countries had met since the Kiwis had a 64-0 win over the Kumuls at Palmerston North in 1996. Papua New Guinea made no changes to their side from the previous match, while New Zealand were without Steve Matai who was serving a suspension due to his high tackle on Australia's Paul Gallen in their previous match. This meant Krisnan Inu got his chance to play, and Sika Manu and Dene Halatau were also replaced by Isaac Luke and David Fa'alogo.
NEW ZEALAND:
1. Lance Hohaia · 2. Sam Perrett · 3. Krisnan Inu · 4. Jerome Ropati · 5. Manu Vatuvei · 6. Benji Marshall · 7. Thomas Leuluai
8. Nathan Cayless · 9. Nathan Fien · 10. Adam Blair · 11. Simon Mannering · 12. Setaimata Sa · 13. Jeremy Smith
Interchange: 14. Isaac Luke · 15. Greg Eastwood · 16. Sam Rapira · 17. David Fa'alogo
Coach: Stephen Kearney
PAPUA NEW GUINEA:
1. John Wilshere · 2. David Moore · 3. Jessie Joe Parker · 4. Tu'u Maori · 5. George Kepa · 6. Stanley Gene · 7. Keith Peters
8. Makali Aizue · 9. Paul Aiton · 10. Trevor Exton · 11. Neville Costigan · 12. James Nightingale · 13. Rod Griffin
Interchange: 14. George Moni · 15. Jason Chan · 16. Rodney Pora · 17. Charlie Wabo
Coach: Adrian Lam
| Saturday, 1 November | New Zealand |
48 – 6 | Papua New Guinea |
Skilled Park,[11] Gold Coast Attendance: 11,278[12] Referee/s: Steve Ganson Man of the Match: Adam Blair |
| Try: Ropati Mannering (2) Perrett (2) Luke Fa'alogo Blair Eastwood Goal: Inu (5) |
(report) | Try: Moore Goal: Wilshire |
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The first points came in the ninth minute when New Zealand, from fifteen metres out, moved the ball through the hands from the right side of the field out to the left, catching PNG's defence outnumbered so Jermoe Ropati could crossed untouched.[13] Krisnan Inu's conversion attempt missed, leaving the score at 4 nil. Less than four minutes later it was Ropati again who fell over PNG's line, but was held up in goal. In the sixteenth minute the Kiwis again moved the ball out wide through the hands, this time to the right side where Simon Mannering was able to pass untouched between the thinly stretched defence to score. Inu kicked the extras and New Zealand were leading 10 nil. Mannering scored his second try eight minutes later, again on the right side of the field, after taking on the defensive line and breaking through. Inu's conversion was successful, taking New Zealand's lead out to 16 nil with fourteen minutes of the first half remaining.[14] New Zealand's defence then withstood a series of assaults on their line when Papua New Guinea got repeat sets. Back in the Kumuls' half though, the Kiwis scored in the thirty-fourth minute, again on the right wing, when Benji Marshall threw an enormous cut out pass over to Sam Perrett who jogged over unchallenged by PNG's severely outnumbered defence.[15] Inu's conversion made it 22 unanswered points by New Zealand and this would remain the scoreline at the half time break.
Marshall, New Zealand's key play maker, sat out the second half to ice a tightened hamstring muscle[16] and after seven minutes it was Papua New Guinea who got the first points. On the left side of the field Neville Costigan got a pass out of a tackle to Jessie Joe Parker who also managed to pass from a tackle back inside for winger David Moore to race through some defenders and over the try-line, improving his kicker's field position by putting the ball down behind the uprights. Wilshere's simple conversion made the score 22 - 6.[17] In the fifty-sixth minute New Zealand returned to their try-scoring ways when Isaac Luke ran from dummy half thirty-seven metres out from Papua New Guinea's line and evaded a few defenders to score.[18] Inu, however, missed the simple conversion. The Kiwis crossed again in the fifty-ninth minute from close range, Fa'alogo receiving a short ball from Fien and barging over the line. Isaac Luke missed the conversion so the score was 30 - 6 with a quarter of the match remaining. Less than ten minutes later, Adam Blair scored in the same spot, taking a short ball from dummy-half Leuluai at close range and crashing over. Inu, making a return to the goal-kicking job, successfully converted the try. In the seventy-first minute New Zealand were attacking again when Luke kicked high and to the left wing. Inu leapt for it but couldn't catch the ball and it ricoched off the PNG defence before coming down for Sam Perrett to regather and ground. After examination by the video referee of a possible New Zealand knock on, the try was awarded due to the benefit of the doubt. Inu's conversion attempt was successful, bringing the score to 42 - 6. The Kiwis got one more try in the match when Greg Eastwood ran the ball from over thirty metres out, stepping and brushing past some defenders to score under the posts. The extras were kicked by Inu leaving the final score at 48 - 6.[19]
The loss for Papua New Guinea effectively ended their hopes of making the semi-finals, now requiring a win over Australia by an enormous margin to do so.[20]
[edit] Australia vs England
| 2 November 2008 | Australia |
52 – 4 | England |
Telstra Dome, Melbourne Attendance: 36,297 Referee/s: Tony Archer |
| Try: Slater 5', 63', 70' Inglis 10', 33' Laffranchi 37', 77' Monaghan 56' Prince 65' Goal: Prince (8) |
(report) | Try: Roby 20' |
[edit] New Zealand vs England
The last time the New Zealand and England sides met was in the semi-final of the 2000 World Cup, with the Kiwis winning 49 to 6. So far in this tournament both sides had defeated Papua New Guinea and lost to Australia. Changes to the New Zealand side were: Jason Nightingale in for Sam Perrett on the right wing; Steve Matai, after serving his one-match suspension, regained his place at right centre from Krisnan Inu; Evarn Tuimivave replaced Nathan Cayless in the front row (with Benji Marshall being named captain); David Fa'alogo was moved from the bench into Setaimata Sa's spot in the second row; Sam Rapira was dropped with David Kidwell and Bronson Harrison added to the bench.
NEW ZEALAND
1. Lance Hohaia · 2. Jason Nightingale · 3. Steve Matai · 4. Jerome Ropati · 5. Manu Vatuvei · 6. Benji Marshall (C) · 7. Thomas Leuluai
8. Adam Blair · 9. Nathan Fein · 10. Evarn Tuimavave · 11. Simon Mannering · 12. David Fa'alogo · 13. Jeremy Smith
14. Isaac Luke · 15. Greg Eastwood · 16. David Kidwell · 17. Bronson Harrison
Coach: Stephen Kearney
ENGLAND
1. Paul Wellens · 2. Mark Calderwood · 3. Paul Sykes · 4. Keith Senior · 5. Lee Smith · 6. Martin Gleeson · 7. Rob Burrow
8. Adrian Morley · 9. Mickey Higham · 10. Jamie Peacock (C) · 11. Jamie Jones-Buchanan · 12. Gareth Ellis · 13. Rob Purdham
14. Kevin Sinfield · 15. Ben Westwood · 16. Gareth Hock · 17. Jamie Langley
Coach: Tony Smith
| 8 November 2008 | England |
24 – 36 | New Zealand |
EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle Attendance: 15,145 Referee/s: Tony Archer |
| Tries: Burrow (2) Higham Gleeson Goals: Purdham (4) |
(report) | Tries: Vatuvei (4) Hohaia Nightingale Fien Goals: Luke (3) Smith |
Prior to kickoff, the England squad huddled in a circle, ignoring the New Zealand players' haka.[21] England were the first to score after getting repeat sets which took them down close to New Zealand's line where hooker Mickey Higham pushed through the defence from dummy-half in the 4th minute.[22] The simple conversion was kicked by Rob Purdham so the score was 6 nil. Less than 4 minutes later England were working the ball out from their own 10-metre line when they decided to pass out wide to their centre Keith Senior, who beat the defence and raced down along the left wing. He then passed back inside for Rob Burrow running up in support and the diminutive halfback was away for England's second try. Purdham's conversion was successful so England were in front 12 nil with under ten minutes of the match gone. However New Zealand struck back just on 13 minutes after a break made by centre Jerome Ropati from a scrum win mid-field afforded Manu Vatuvei a run at the disorganised defence from within ten metres, the giant winger barging his way over for his first try of the tournament. The conversion attempt by Steve Matai was wide, so the score remained 12 - 4 in favour of England. At the sixteen-minute mark from a scrum win the English number 6, Martin Gleeson made a sudden break from 30 metres out and was into open space, his run good enough for the momentum to drag him and his tackler over the try-line. The video referee awarded the four points and Purdham kicked the extra two so England's lead was pushed out to 18 - 4. In the 20th minute, the Kiwis were down close to the English try-line when New Zealand fullback Lance Hohaia dummied and stepped his way through the defensive line and fought his way through his tacklers to force the ball down, the video referee awarding the try after some deliberation. The kick from Matai missed so the score was 18 - 8 with three quarters of the match still remaining. Six minutes later, England were back deep in New Zealand's territory when Burrow at first-receiver and on the last tackle stepped and dashed through the defence to score his second try of the night. Purdham's conversion put the score at England 24, New Zealand 8. A few minutes later play was halted while Kiwi centre Steve Matai was taken from the field after falling into a tackle awkwardly and injuring his neck.[23] New Zealand, ten metres into England's half and before the first tackle of a new set of six, offloaded from some tackles and kept the ball alive before sending it out to Jason Nightingale on the right wing where he dived over in the corner. Isaac Luke was given the sideline conversion attempt and kicked it, putting New Zealand back in the contest at 24 - 14, with three minutes of the first half remaining. No more points were scored before the break.
In the 47th minute, New Zealand were on the attack and were the first to score in the second half when a long pass from Hohaia out to Vatuvei saw him dive over untouched in the left corner for his second try of the match. The video referee awarded the try and Luke's sideline conversion attempt was wide, so the score was New Zealand 18, England 24. The Kiwi's then continued dominating possession and field position and in the 55th minute Vatuvei scored his 3rd, again diving over untouched in the corner after receiving a long ball from Hohaia. Once more Luke had to kick for goal from the sideline and this time was successful so the scores were level at 24 all. In the 69th minute, Luke gained his team a penalty when he was given a push by an England player while running in to contest a bomb and fell to the ground.[24] The Kiwis decided to take the kick from in front of the posts and Luke got the two points which put New Zealand in the lead for the first time at 26 - 24. New Zealand were attacking England's line again in the 75th minute when an English defender fumbled an intercept chance and from the confusion Nathan Fein, who was playing on despite a broken nose, picked up the ball and crashed over. The try was awarded by the video referee and the conversion was kicked by Jeremy Smith, so New Zealand led 32 to 24 with 5 minutes of the match remaining. The Kiwis got one more try, again from Lance Hohaia throwing a long ball out to Manu Vatuvei to cross untouched on the left wing once more, his fourth try for the night. Benji Marshall took the sideline conversion attempt and missed, but the game was already beyond doubt, with New Zealand winning 36 - 24.[25]
Manu Vatuvei's four tries saw him break the record of three previously held by Robbie Paul and Lesley Vainikolo for most tries in a World Cup match by a New Zealand player.[26]
[edit] Australia vs Papua New Guinea
The last time these two teams had met was in 2001 at Port Moresby when Australia defeated Papua New Guinea by 42 points, and it was their first World Cup match since 1992. Papua New Guinea's place in the tournament was at stake, with a win by more than 2 points required. The Kangaroos' undefeated run so far had guaranteed their place in the play-offs so they could afford to experiment with the player lineup for this match. Captain Darren Lockyer and star fullback Billy Slater were rested while four of the Australians were to make their international debuts: Terry Campese taking Lockyer's place at five-eighth, Darius Boyd, David Williams and Anthony Watmough. Karmichael Hunt took Slater's place at fullback.
AUSTRALIA
1. Karmichael Hunt · 2. Darius Boyd · 3. Brent Tate · 4. Joel Monaghan · 5. David Williams · 6. Terry Campese · 7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Brent Kite · 9. Cameron Smith (C) · 10. Josh Perry · 11. Anthony Watmough · 12. Anthony Tupou · 13. Craig Fitzgibbon
14. Scott Prince · 15. Steve Price · 16. Paul Gallen · 17. Israel Folau
Coach: Ricky Stuart
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
1. John Wilshere (C) · 2. David Moore · 3. Menzie Yere · 4. Anton Kui · 5. Tu'u Maori · 6. Stanley Gene · 7. Keith Peters
8. Jason Chan · 9. Paul Aiton · 10. Trevor Exton · 11. Neville Costigan · 12. James Nightingale · 13. Rod Griffin
14. Kevin Prior · 15. Nico Slain · 16. Jessie Joe Parker · 17. Jay Aston
Coach: Adrian Lam
| 20:55 9 November 2008 | Australia |
46 – 6 | Papua New Guinea |
Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville[27] Attendance: 16,239[28] Referee/s: Steve Ganson Man of the Match: Craig Fitzgibbon |
| Tries: Williams (3) Prince (2) Monaghan Tupou Goals: Thurston (7) |
(report) | Try: Yere Goal: Wilshire |
Australia opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Johnathan Thurston kicked across-field from close range for winger David Williams, making his international debut, to leap for and score in the right corner.[29] Thurston then converted the try so the score was 6 nil. Just over two minutes later Williams crossed in the corner again after receiving a long ball from Karmichal Hunt which was ruled to be forward, so no try was given.[30] Terry Campese, making his debut for Australia was forced to leave the field after receiving a poke in the eye. Australia were attacking close to PNG's line again in the twenty-second minute when the ball was moved out to the other wing where Joel Monaghan forced his way over. The video referee ruled that he'd got the ball down, and after Thurston's second successful kick from near the sideline, this time the left one, the score was 12 nil in favour of the Kangaroos. Less than three minutes later, Australia were again up on the Kumuls' line when quick hands got the ball out to Monaghan and he dived over in the corner untouched for his second try. Thurston's kicking accuracy from difficult angles continued so The Kangaroos had 18 unanswered points. Slick passing before PNG's line resulted in Australia's fourth try as well, this time out to the right for David Williams to cross untouched. Thurston missed his fourth sideline conversion of the night, so the score was 22 nil with three minutes of the first half remaining. No more points were scored before the break.[31]
After holding out Australia's first raid on their line successfully, Papua New Guinea were about to start working their way back up the field when they conceded an easy try to Scott Prince who rushed up to intercept a Stanley Gene pass to score under the posts.[32] Thurston's kick was simple so the score was 28 nil after forty-three minutes. Ten minutes later Australia scored again after keeping the ball alive close to the Kumuls' line, Prince crossing untouched again for his second try. Thurston again kicked the extra two points so the score was 34 nil with twenty-five minutes of the match remaining. In the seventieth minute the Australians, while in their own half, moved the ball out to the right where Williams got it and ran forty metres to score his third try. In doing so he became only the third Kangaroo since Lionel Morgan in 1960 and Brad Mackay in 1990 to score a hat-trick on debut for Australia. Thurston kicked another sideline conversion so it was 40 nil. Papua New Guinea's kick-off was short and they successfully regained the ball. After working their way up into an attacking position close to the Kangaroos' try-line, Ron Griffin put in the perfect grubber kick behind the defence for Menzie Yere to run through and dive on.[33] Wiltshere converted successfully so the score was 40 - 6 in favour of the home side. Australia scored one more try a few minutes later when Anthony Tupou ran onto a short pass from close range to put the ball down behind the posts.[34] Thurston's kick made the final score 46 - 6.[35]
The match was the last international for Stanley Gene, the only player to have played in the last three World Cups, who was chaired from the field by his teammates.[36]
[edit] Final standings
All teams from group A (shaded in green) with the exception of the bottom qualifying team will progress to the semi-finals, the other two groups the top finisher will progress to a playoff match, in which the winner will qualify to the semi-finals. Australia were the only team in the tournament to play all their group stage matches with no losses.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 128 | 16 | 112 | 6 |
| New Zealand |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 90 | 60 | 30 | 4 |
| England |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 60 | 110 | -50 | 2 |
| Papua New Guinea |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 34 | 126 | -92 | 0 |
[edit] Group B
[edit] France vs Scotland
| 26 October 2008 | Scotland  |
18 – 36 |  France |
Canberra Stadium, Canberra Attendance: 9,287 Referee/s: Leon Williamson |
| Try: Steel 20' c Wilkes 46' c Colton 62' c Goal: Brough (3) |
(report) | Try: Taylor 16' c Guisset 28' c, 75' c Wilson 33' c Raguin 54' c Moly 80' c Goal: Bosc (6) |
[edit] Fiji vs France
| 1 November 2008 | France |
6 – 42 |  Fiji |
WIN Stadium, Wollongong Attendance: 9,213 Referee/s: Ashley Klein |
| Try: Wilson Goal: Bosc |
(report) | Try: Uate (3) Hayne (2) Divavesi Tora Goal: Naiqama (7) |
[edit] Scotland vs Fiji
| 5 November 2008 | Fiji |
16 – 18 | Scotland |
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford Attendance: 9,720 Referee/s: Leon Williamson |
| Try:Tadulala (2) Bukuya Goal: Naiqama (2) |
(report) | Try: Steel Robertson Wilkes Goal: Brough (3) |
[edit] Final standings
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 58 | 24 | 34 | 2 |
| Scotland |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 36 | 50 | -16 | 2 |
| France |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 42 | 60 | -18 | 2 |
[edit] Group C
[edit] Tonga vs Ireland
| 27 October 2008 | Ireland  |
20 – 22 | Tonga |
Parramatta Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 6,165 Referee/s: Steve Ganson |
| Try: Blanch 26' m, 51' m, 67' c Platt 30' c Goal: Richards (2) |
(report) | Try: Jennings 10' c Vuna 36' m Uaisele 59' c Tonga 74' m Goal: Taufa'ao (2) Williams |
[edit] Samoa vs Tonga
| 31 October 2008 | Tonga |
12 – 20 |  Samoa |
CUA Stadium, Penrith Attendance: 11,787 Referee/s: Shayne Hayne |
| Try: Jennings Leo-Latu Goal: Williams (2) |
(report) | Try: Meli Vagana Utai Carmont Goal: Roberts |
[edit] Ireland vs Samoa
| 5 November 2008 | Ireland |
34 – 16 | Samoa |
Parramatta Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 8,067 Referee/s: Thierry Alibert Man of the Match: Pat Richards |
| Try: Pat Richards 12', 43', 79' Simon Finnigan 14' Sean Gleeson 19' Liam Finn 71' Goal: Pat Richards (5) |
(report) | Try: Nigel Vagana 25' Misi Taulapapa 35' David Solomona 75' Goal: Ben Roberts (2) |
[edit] Final standings
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 54 | 38 | 16 | 2 |
| Tonga |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 34 | 40 | -6 | 2 |
| Samoa |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 36 | 46 | -10 | 2 |
[edit] Ranking Stage
[edit] 7th Place Playoff: Scotland vs Tonga
| 8 November 2008 | Scotland |
0 – 48 | Tonga |
Browne Park, Rockhampton Attendance: 5,942 Referee/s: Shane Hayne |
| (report) | Try: Vuna (2) Mateo Paea Uaisele Williams Talanoa Jennings Goal: Williams (7) Paea |
This was the lowest-attended match of the tournament, however it was filled to capacity for a ground that had never seen top-level rugby league before.
[edit] 9th Place Playoff: Samoa vs France
| 9 November 2008 | Samoa |
42 – 10 | France |
CUA Stadium, Penrith Attendance: 8,028 Referee/s: Thierry Alibert |
| Try: Te'o (2) Utai Meli Carmont Taulapapa Roberts T.Puletua Goal: Roberts (3) Paulo (2) |
(report) | Try: Guisset Planas Goal: Bosc |
[edit] Knockout stage
| Qualifying Final | Semi-Final | Final | |||||||||||
| New Zealand |
32 | ||||||||||||
| England |
22 | ||||||||||||
| New Zealand |
34 | ||||||||||||
| Australia |
20 | ||||||||||||
| Australia |
52 | ||||||||||||
| Fiji |
0 | ||||||||||||
| Fiji |
30 | ||||||||||||
| Ireland |
14 | ||||||||||||
[edit] Qualifying Final: Fiji vs Ireland
Fiji and Ireland, who had finished at the top of their respective groups, faced off at Queensland's Gold Coast. At stake was the chance to play Australia in the semi-final. Fiji had lost prop Iowane Divavesi to a two-match ban for tripping just hours before the match.[37]
FIJI Bati:
1. Jarryd Hayne · 2. Semi Tadulala · 3. Wes Naiqama (c) · 4. Daryl Millard · 5. Akuila Uate · 6. Alipate Tani Noilea · 7. Aaron Groom
8. Nick Bradley-Qalilawa · 9. Waisale Sukanaveita · 10. Ilisoni Vonomateiratu · 11. Ashton Sims · 12. Osea Sadrau · 13. Jayson Bukuya
Interchange: 14. James Storer · 17. Semisi Tora · 18. Sevania Koroi · 22. Kaliova Naqua
Coach: Joe Dakuitoga
IRELAND Wolfhounds:
1. Michael Platt · 2. Damien Blanch · 3. Sean Gleeson · 4. Stuart Littler · 5. Pat Richards · 6. Scott Grix (c) · 7. Liam Finn
8. Eamon O'Carroll · 9. Bob Beswick · 10. Gareth Haggerty · 11. Ben Harrison · 12. Lee Doran · 13. Simon Finnigan
Interchange: 14. Michael McIlorum · 16. Ged Corcoran · 17. Ryan Tandy · 19. Karl Fitzpatrick
Coach: Andy Kelly
| 10 November 2008 | Fiji |
30 – 14 | Ireland |
Skilled Park, Gold Coast Attendance: 8,224[38] Referee/s: Ashley Klein[39] Man of the Match: Aaron Groom |
| Try: Uate (2) Bukuya Hayne Naiqama Goals: Naiqama (5/6) |
(report) | Try: Blanch (2) Grix Goals: Richards (1/4) |
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Amhrán na bhFiann was performed as the Ireland team's national anthem before the match. Fiji opened the scoring early with their captain Wes Naiqama from the half way line finding space down the right side of the field and scoring on the 2-minute mark.[40] He then converted his own try so the score was 6 nil. About 5 minutes later Ireland responded with their own 50-metre runaway try down the right side thanks to winger Damien Blanch. Pat Richards kicked the extras so the scores were level at 6 all. In the 25th minute Fiji were penalised just over 40 metres out from their own line and the Irish decided to take the shot at goal. Richards' attempt went wide so the score remained unchanged. Fiji scored again about 5 minutes later when from close-range, Akuila Uate ran from dummy half on his wing infield to find a gap in the defence and score near the uprights. Naiqama's conversion was successful so Fiji led 12 - 6. It was Ireland's turn to score again and they did so in the 46th minute when from within Fiji's 10-metre line, captain Scott Grix decided to run from first receiver, charging through a gap and getting the ball down. Richards' kick to level the scores hit the upright and missed, so Fiji remained two points ahead at 12 - 10 and this was the score until half-time.
About a minute into the second half Fiji were up at their opponents' try-line when hooker James Storer ran from dummy half and crashed over but was held up by the defence. After repeated raids on the Irish try-line and despite some enormous drop-outs from Pat Richards, Fiji kept on comiing and scored just on 55 minutes, when from close range Jason Bukuya found a gap in the defence and reached out to plant the ball down. Naiqama's conversion was successful so Fiji led 18 - 10. A few minutes later Fiji were again down close to Ireland's try-line when they got a penalty for a ruck infringement. Naiqama decided to take the shot at goal and didn't miss, so the score was 20 - 10 in favour of Fiji with seventeen minutes left on the clock. Ireland continued to be under siege and 10 metres out from their line, Fiji's halfback Aaron Groom stabbed a kick in behind the defence for Jarryd Hayne to chase and put down after clipping one of the uprights in his haste in the 66th minute.[41] The video referee awarded the try and Naiqama kicked the simple conversion so Fiji had a comfortable lead at 26 - 10. Ten minutes later Fiji scored again after continuing to attack Ireland's line, this time Uate crossing out wide on the right wing. Naiqama's kick from the sideline hit the upright and missed, so with just over 5 minutes of the game remaining, the score was 30 - 10. Ireland got one more chance to attack Fiji's line in the closing minutes and it was Blanch who scored for them again, benfiting from a good offload from Lee Doran close to the try-line.[42] Richards missed the conversion attempt so the final score was Fiji 30, Ireland 14. The Bati would play Australia next, with the winner of that match going to the World Cup Final, while the Irish exited the tournament with A$75,000 prize money.[43]
[edit] 1st Semi-Final: New Zealand vs England
In a re-play of both sides' last match, New Zealand once again faced England, this time for the right to play in the World Cup final. English coach Tony Smith left it to within an hour of kick-off before naming his team for the match. Kevin Sinfield was dropped from his position on the bench. Ben Westwood was promoted from the bench to the run-on side. For New Zealand Jason Nightingale was replaceed by Sam Perrett. Sika Manu's faster than expected recovery from an eye socket injury saw his return with David Kidwell dropped in his place.
No British side had won in Brisbane for 46 years. New Zealand had lost their last 8 international matches in the city.
NEW ZEALAND
1. Lance Hohaia · 2. Sam Perrett · 3. Simon Mannering · 4. Jerome Ropati · 5. Manu Vatuvei · 6. Benji Marshall · 7. Nathan Fien
8. Nathan Cayless (c) · 9. Thomas Leuluai · 10. Adam Blair · 17. Bronson Harrison · 12. David Fa'alogo · 13. Jeremy Smith
11. Sika Manu · 14. Isaac Luke · 15. Greg Eastwood · 16. Sam Rapira
Coach: Stephen Kearney
ENGLAND
1. Paul Wellens · 2. Ade Gardner · 3. Martin Gleeson · 4. Keith Senior · 5. Mark Calderwood · 6. Danny McGuire · 7. Rob Burrow
8. James Graham · 9. James Roby · 10. Jamie Peacock (c) · 11. Ben Westwood · 12. Gareth Ellis · 13. Rob Purdham
14. Leon Pryce · 15. Adrian Morley · 16. Mickey Higham · 17. Jon Wilkin
Coach: Tony Smith
| 15 November 2008 | New Zealand |
32 – 22 | England |
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 26,659 Referee/s: Shane Hayne Man of the Match: ? |
| Try: Ropati (2) Perrett Hohaia Harrison Marshall Goal: Smith (3) Marshall |
(report) | Try: McGuire (2) Peacock Gleeson Goal: Burrow (3) |
This time when the Kiwis performed their haka, the England side stood in a line ten metres away and faced them. In the 9th minute New Zealand were on the attack courtesy of a mistake from England and got the first try of the match, passing to Sam Perrett on the right wing who crossed out wide, then improved his kicker's position before putting the ball down. Jeremy Smith's conversion was successful so England trailed 6 nil. England, also benefitting from some New Zealand mistakes, were attacking the Kiwis' line and threw the ball out wide to the right wing as well and Ade Gardner dived over in the corner just before the 15 minute mark. The video referee showed that Gardner's toe touched the sideline before he grounded the ball so the try was not given. Four minutes later the Kiwis were back down at England's end when Lance Hohaia got over for a close-range try. Smith's kick went wide so the score was 10 nil in favour of New Zealand with a quarter of the match gone. Rob Purdham's restart kick went over the sideline on the full so New Zealand got the ball back and in the following set of six they scored again through Jerome Ropati. Smith's kick was good this time, so the Kiwis had 16 unanswered points. Then in the 29th minute England had an opportunity in attack down at New Zealand's end and kept the ball alive, the ball going to captain Jamie Peacock who forced his way over from close range. Purdham missed the conversion attempt so the score remained 16 - 4 in favour of the Kiwis. A New Zealand knock on less than 2 minutes from half time saw the English get a scrum a few metres into the opposition's half. In a bold set move from the scrum base, England's number 13 Purdham broke away with the ball and immediately kicked it ahead for Danny Maguire racing through to regather and dive over by the goal posts. The video referee ruled that the chaser was only just in line with the kicker so the try was awarded. Rob Burrow was given the conversion attempt and kicked it, so England were back within a converted try at 16 - 10 at the half-time break.
After a few minutes of the second half, England second-rower Gareth Ellis was forced from the field with a rib injury. Both sides had attacking opportunities during the first 16 minutes of the half, but it was New Zealand's Bronson Harrison who scored first after receiving a good short ball from halfback Nathan Fien on England's 20-metre line which saw him cut through the defence, step past the fullback and score by the uprights. Smith's coversion meant the score was New Zealand 22, England 10 with 22 minutes of the match remaining. After a bomb from England which Hohaia failed to take securely, England were on the attack again. They moved the ball out through the hands to the right, and centre Martin Gleeseon dragged himself through the defence to reach out and score in the 61st minute. Burrow kicked the sideline conversion so England were back within a converted try of New Zealand at 22 - 16. The Kiwis then got repeat sets down near England's line and were the next to score: Fien kicked the ball over towards the goal posts and as it came down in-goal two English defenders failed to secure it and Jerome Ropati was there to fall onto it. Benji Marshall was given the conversion this time and kicked it successfully so the score was 28 - 16 with 10 minutes to go. Three minutes later England gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Maguire found space between New Zealand's defence and ran through it from 15 metres out to score by the posts. Burrow's conversion meant that England were back within 6 points with six minutes of the game left to go. However the English were let down by further handling errors and New Zealand were the last to score after England again failed to defend against a bomb out to the left, Marshall putting it down in the corner at the 78th minute, placing the game beyond doubt. Smith missed the sideline conversion so the final score was 32 - 22. England then went home with $130,000 prize money and New Zealand had booked a place in the final the following week.
[edit] 2nd Semi-final: Australia vs Fiji
| 16 November 2008 | Australia |
52 – 0 | Fiji |
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 15,855 Referee/s: Ashley Klein Man of the Match: Billy Slater |
| Try: Paul Gallen 2' Brent Tate 5', 16' Billy Slater 9', 38', 49' Johnathan Thurston 62', 66', 72' Greg Inglis 77' Goal: Johnathan Thurston (6) |
(report) |
[edit] Final
| 22 November 2008 19:00 AEST |
Australia |
20 – 34 | New Zealand |
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Attendance: 50,599[44] Referee/s: Ashley Klein (England) Man of the Match: Darren Lockyer (Australia) |
| Tries: Lockyer (12', 35') 2 Williams (17') 1 Inglis (65') 1 Goals: Thurston (18', 36') 2/4 |
Report | Tries: 2 (49', 70' pen) Hohaia 1 (24') J Smith 1 (28') Ropati 1 (61') Marshall 1 (76') Blair Goals: 3/3 (25', 28', 50') Luke 2/3 (71', 77') Marshall |
[edit] Notes and references
[edit] Notations
c = try successfully converted
m = conversion missed
[edit] References
- ^ http://news.leaguehq.com.au/sport/png-will-shock-big-guns-says-costigan-20081013-4zsi.html
- ^ Indigenous Dreamtime team named @ Official RLWC08 site, 11th October, 2008.
- ^ rte.ie (2009-10-25). "England 32-22 Papua New Guinea". RTÉ Sport. RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Limited. http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2008/1025/england_papuanewguinea.html. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ englandrl.co.uk. "England edge past PNG". The world of rugby league. Rleague.com PTY LTD. http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=31774. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ Soneji, Pranav (2008-10-25). "England v PNG as it happened". BBC Sport (BBC). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7689766.stm. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ skysports.com (2008-10-26). "England survive Kumul scare". Sky Sports: Rugby League News (BSkyB). http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_2920589,00.html. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ "Australia 30 Kiwis 6: Thurston puts in stoical effort". Daily Mail. 2008-10-27. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1080706/Australia-30-Kiwis-6-Thurston-puts-stoical-effort-Wallabies.html. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ AAP (2008-10-25). "Johnathan Thurston's uncle murdered in Brisbane park". Australian, The (News Limited). http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24550850-5006784,00.html. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ Wilson, Andy (2008-10-26). "Thurston-inspired Australia sweep New Zealand aside". guardian.co.uk (Guardian News and Media Limited). http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/oct/26/rugby-league-world-cup-australia. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ news.bbc.co.uk (2008-10-26). "Australia 30-6 New Zealand". BBC Sport (BBC). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7683518.stm. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ "Kiwis too strong for PNG". Daily Star. 1 November 2008. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/latestsport/view/56965/Kiwis-too-strong-for-PNG/. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ Clark, Laine (2 November 2008). "Kiwis fly against PNG". The Daily Telegraph. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/kiwis-fly-against-png/story-e6frfgbo-1111117921190. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ "Kiwis sweep aside PNG". Sky Sports. 1 November 2008. http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_2920603,00.html. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ Fletcher, Paul (1 November 2008). "New Zealand v PNG as it happened". BBC Sport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7701108.stm. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ Brown, Michael (2 November 2008). "Kiwis pleased to be party poopers". New Zealand Herald. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10540671. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ Lutton, Phil (2 November 2008). "Benji 'sweet' after injury scare". Brisbane Times. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/sport/benji-sweet-after-injury-scare/2008/11/01/1224956406587.html. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ rte.ie (2008-01-01). "New Zealand 48-6 Papua New Guinea". RTÉ Sport (RTÉ). http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2008/1101/newzealand_papua.html. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
- ^ NZPA (2 November 2008). "Kiwis far too good for PNG". Stuff.co.nz. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/699782. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ Times Online and Agencies (1 November 2008). "New Zealand power past Papua New Guinea". The Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article5061031.ece. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
- ^ news.bbc.co.uk (2008-11-01). "New Zealand 48-6 Papua New Guinea". BBC Sport (BBC). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7692810.stm. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
- ^ Bott, Richard (2008-11-09). "New Zealand 36 England 24: Smith will risk backlash over the haka again". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-1084327/New-Zealand-36-England-24-Smith-risk-backlash-haka-again.html. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
- ^ Fletcher, Paul (2008-11-08). "England v NZ as it happened". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7705138.stm. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
- ^ "Kiwis trounce England in second half riot". Television New Zealand. 8 November 2008. http://tvnz.co.nz/content/2293944. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
- ^ Wilson, Andy (2008-11-10). "Rancour at 'diver' Luke cannot hide ineptitude that makes England the World Cup's laughing stock". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/nov/10/rugby-league-world-cup-2008-englandrugbyleagueteam. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
- ^ http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby/2008/11/10/england-24-36-new-zealand-laughing-stock-115875-20883610/
- ^ http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/s/1078590_england_24_new_zealand_36
- ^ "Pool A - Australia Kangaroos 46 d. Papua New Guinea 6". rleague.com (UK: Rleague.com PTY LTD). 9 November 2008. http://www.rleague.com/db/content/84000/84441.php. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ AFP (9 November 2008). "Williams scores three on Kangaroos debut". ABC News (Australia: ABC). http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/09/2414604.htm. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ "PNG 6-46 Australia". BBC Sport (UK: BBC). 9 November 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7710181.. Retrieved 6 March 2011.[dead link]
- ^ Koch, Dan (10 November 2008). "Outclassed Kumuls brave to the end". The Australian (Australia: News Limited). http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/outclassed-kumuls-brave-to-the-end/story-e6frg7mo-1111117989551. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ Wilson, Andy (9 November 2008). "Impressive Australia prove far too strong for spirited Papua New Guinea". guardian.co.uk (UK: Guardian News and Media Limited). http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/nov/09/australia-papua-new-guinea-rugby. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ thesun.co.uk (9 November 2008). "Australia 46 PNG 6". The Sun (UK: News Group Newspapers Ltd). http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/rugby_league/rlworldcup/article1910462.ece. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ AP (10 November 2008). "Williams runs in three tries as the Aussies dominate". The Taipei Times. http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2008/11/10/2003428222. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ "Kangaroos crush brave Kumuls". Sky Sports (UK: BSkyB). 10 November 2008. http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_report/0,19936,11070_2920610,00.html. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ Jackson, Glenn (10 November 2008). "Cup missing, but not Roos". The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia: Fairfax Media): p. 7. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SMH081110NP4JP6EUS9B. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ skysports.com (9 November 2008). "Evergreen Gene bows out". Sky Sports (UK: BSkyB). http://www.skysports.com/rugbyleague/match_reaction/0,19936,11070_2920610,00.html. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ AAP (2008-11-11). "Fiji through to World Cup semi-final". tvnz.co.nz (Television New Zealand Limited). http://tvnz.co.nz/content/2299828. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ "RLWC: Fiji d Ireland". austadiums.com. http://www.austadiums.com/sport/event.php?eventid=8587. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ "Qualifying Final - Fiji 30 d. Ireland 14". rleague.com. Rleague.com PTY LTD. http://www.rleague.com/db/content/85000/85237.php. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ news.bbc.co.uk (2008-11-10). "Fiji 30-14 Ireland". BBC Sport (BBC). http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7712682.stm. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Jackson, Glenn (2008-11-11). "Bula boys bulldoze Ireland, now for more men in green". leaguehq.com.au (Fairfax Digital). Archived from the original on 19 September 2009. http://web.archive.org/web/20090919134314/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bula-boys-bulldoze-ireland/2008/11/10/1226165484379.html. Retrieved 2009-09-19.[dead link]
- ^ Laybourn, Ian (2008-11-10). "Ireland 14 Fiji 30". sportinglife.com (365 Media Group Ltd). http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/08/11/10/RUGBYL_Ireland.html. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ Wilson, Andy (2008-11-10). "Ireland's World Cup adventure comes to an end against Fiji". guardian.co.uk (Guardian News and Media Limited). http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/nov/10/irelandrugbyleagueteam-fijirugbyleagueteam. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- ^ "Kiwis re-write rugby league history". Stuff.co.nz. 22 November 2008. http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4769768a1823.html. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
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