The Rugby League World Cup continues on Sunday with another couple of matches in the group phase of the competition on a day which could be very important to three of the four teams who are on show.
We have the second match of this round in both Group A and Group C to enjoy on Sunday on a day where the quarter final picture will continue to take shape over the course of what should be a great afternoon of rugby.
Lebanon vs Ireland (14.30 – BBC Two)
Venue: Leigh Sports Village
The first of the two matches comes from Group C where Lebanon and Ireland face off in what many are suggesting will be the match which decides who will follow New Zealand out of the section. That makes this one a massive clash.
Lebanon went down to the Kiwis in their opening game last week but did enough to suggest they can be competitive here. They have Jamaica to come so they know a win here will have them in a good position. Ireland beat Jamaica last week and a win here will confirm their qualification for the quarter final and would leave them in a position to have a good go at New Zealand last week to try and steal top spot. I liked what I saw from Ireland last week but the concern was that they were not as clinical as I’d have liked in attacking areas and we don’t know what their defence is like because it wasn’t tested. That makes me think Lebanon might be a touch of value here but there are too many doubts or unknowns to bet with comfort.
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Samoa vs Greece (17.00 – BBC iPlayer)
Venue: Eco-Power Stadium
The other match on Sunday afternoon comes from Group A where Samoa will look to get their World Cup campaign back on track when they take on the debutants Greece in what should be a one-sided affair in Doncaster.
Samoa ended up being humiliated by England last week but they should bounce back here. There was a reason why they were being touted as dark horses to win the title ahead of this thing kicking off and they have the chance to show that here. They picked up three key injuries last week which has led to them calling up Ken Sio and Tim Lafai but as replacements go the Salford pair certainly aren’t bad ones. Greece put up a fair showing in their opening match against France but this looks a much tougher assignment for the Greeks, made no easier by the loss of their captain Jordan Meads to injury. The Greek story is a fine one but this is a Samoa side that contains the likes of Jerome Luai, Brian To’o, Josh Papali’I and Junior Paulo in it among plenty of other star names. They would win this and win it very well and remind everyone just why so many liked them going into the tournament.
Tips
Back Samoa (-52) to beat Greece for a 3/10 stake at 2.00 with William Hill
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