2013 Rugby League World Cup: The Dominance of Australia

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The 2013 Rugby World Cup, the fourteenth overall, was held from October 26th and ended today, November 30th. The Rugby League World Cup has been played very sporadically over it's history. It last held in 2008, and before that in 2000. This year, it was held in England and Wales, but games were also played in France and Ireland. Fourteen teams were in the tournament. They were Australia, Cook Islands, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, Tonga, United States, and Wales. 

Coming into the tournament, Australia was the favorite. Not only have they won nine tournaments before, they were also number one in the RLIF rankings. It was going to be very tough to beat the Kangeroos. Heading into the tournament, Tim Sheens had  lost only one game as Head Coach 

Two other title contenders were New Zealand and France, ranked second and fourth respectively. Both teams have been to every World Cup and New Zealand won the last one in 2008. The Kiwis have not finished better than third since 1975. The Les Chanticleers have struggled in the last couple years, including finishing in last in the 2008 World Cup.

In the group stages, Australia and New Zealand showed off their muscles. In Group A, Australia went 3-0, beating England 28-20, Fiji 34-2, and Ireland 50-0. Other then their loss to the Kangaroos, England had an easy time. The Wall of White beat Fiji 34-12 and Ireland 40-0. New Zealand had no competitor in Group B. The Kiwis had plus/minus of +112. Their big wins included destroying France 48-0 and Papua New Guinea 56-10. In Group C, Scotland edged Tonga as the Groups only representative in knockout round. Both teams had a 2-1 record, but Scotland beat Tonga 26-24 to make the next round. In the last group, the USA, in their first World Cup, won the group and the spot in the next round,by beating group-mates, Wales and the Cook Islands.

The knockout round featured the top three teams from Group A and B, and the top team from Group C and D. None of the games were close. Australia annihilated the United States 62-0. Brett Morris and Jarryd Hayne both had four tries. New Zealand routed Scotland, 40-4, England defeated France 34-6, and Samoa lost to Fiji 22-4.

Jarryd Hayne
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In the semi-finals, Australia had another easy win. They demolished Fiji 64-0. The second semi-final, between England and New Zealand, was a thrilling game. With about fifteen minutes left in the game, England took a 18-14 lead. The game was just about to end, but a penalty was called on England. New Zealand capitalized and Shaun Johnson scored a try to tie the game at 18. Then, he kicked the conversion to give the Kiwis the win and a spot in the finals. 

The finals were destined to be competitive. Not only was it a rematch of the 2008 World Cup final, it is between two rivals. Over 74,000 people showed up to Old Trafford to watch the final. Many of the fans were disappointed as the game was a blowout. Australia won the game 34-2 to claim their tenth Rugby League World Cup title. The Man of the Match was Johnathan Thurston, who kicked seven goals for Australia. The tournament was all about the dominance of Australia. They showed that they are the best country in the world at rugby league.