Key Points
- Semi-Final stage at World Cup
- Kiwis to see off Tonga?
- Kangaroos to ease past Samoa?
By the end of the weekend, we will know who will be competing in the Rugby League World Cup. Spoiler alert, do not be surprised if it is Australia and New Zealand competing in the final at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, November 15.
The first semi-final sees New Zealand take on Tonga at the McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday. The Kiwis finished second in Pool A with their only loss coming against Australia. Tonga, on the other hand, topped Pool B/C with three wins over England, Lebanon and Samoa.
Australia take on Samoa in the second semi-final at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday. The Kangaroos finished top of Pool A with three wins, while Samoa finished second in Pool B/C after falling to defeat against Tonga in their final group game.
This page will see me cover semi-finals, while I have also done an
RLWC acca with first try scorer options
for you to take a look at.
New Zealand vs Tonga - Sunday, November 7 - 09:05 GMT
Kalyn Ponga has been named on the reserves list after missing the last two matches with a fractured arm. He picked up the injury in the loss against Australia.
The Kiwis had always insisted that Ponga could return later in the tournament, he is on the reserve list but I would not be surprised if a late change is made and he does play against Tonga.
Phoenix Crossland is also on the reserve list but could be drafted in after serving a four-match suspension for an incident in the NRL which saw Nathan Cleary suffering a compound fracture to his ankle and leg from a hip drop tackle.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has named the same squad that defeated Samoa with Isaiya Katoa is expected to partner Tui Lolohea after returning from injury last weekend.
Tonga have improved at international level over the years, but I think this New Zealand side is fully focused on to take the crown off Australia. They will be tested by Tonga, but they have a lot of matchwinners in their side with the likes of Jamayne Isaako, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Kodi Nikorima and Jahrome Hughes. I think they will finish the stronger and advance to the final.
I am backing the Kiwis to win this game by 1-12 points with Casey McLean, Dane Gagai and Jamayne Isaako all scoring tries. For Tonga, they will fight for everything and I am backing Robert Toia and Jojo Fifita to cross over for the Tongans.
New Zealand vs Tonga RLWC Betting Tips
- New Zealand to win - 9/20 @ Bet365
- New Zealand to win by 1-12 points - 7/4 @ Bet365
- Jamayne Isaako to score a try anytime - 10/11 @ Bet365
- Casey McLean to score a try anytime - 11/10 @ Bet365
- Jamayne Isaako to score a try anytime - 10/11 @ Bet365
- Robert Toia to score a try anytime - 21/20 @ Bet365
- Jojo Fifita to score a try anytime - 6/4 @ Bet365
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Australia vs Samoa - Sunday, November 8 - 09:05 GMT
Australia are undefeated in this RLWC, but I still don't think they have played to the best of their capabilities. I wouldn't be surprised if they just went through the motions until the Final. Samoa reached the last World Cup before being beaten convincingly by the Kangaroos.
They will be keen to get a measure of revenge over the Australians for that World Cup Final defeat, but I do not think they have reached that level just yet.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has named the same 13 that defeated Cook Islands in their final group game, but Cameron Murray is back from a calf problem in place of Lindsay Smith, while Latrell Mitchell is on the bench after being absent for the last two matches.
Samoa have been dealt a huge injury blow with Chanel Harris-Tavita out with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Ronald Volkman. Jazz Tevaga drops to the bench with Benaiah Ioelu starting at hooker.
I mentioned that Australia have not been firing on all cylinders, but the problem is they do not have to be at their best to win matches at international level. The Kangaroos could name four top class sides and still reach the World Cup Final.
Despite this being a semi-final, I think it will be a comfortable win for the Aussies with a winning margin of over 13 points. When it comes to scoring tries, i am backing Reece Walsh, Tom Trbojevic and Jack Bostock all to score tries. For Samoa, I do not think they will score many tries, but I am backing winger Sualauvi Fa'alogo to add to his six tries.
Australia vs Tonga RLWC Betting Tips
- Australia to win - 9/25 @ Bet365
- Australia to win by 13+ points - 6/4 @ Bet365
- Reece Walsh to score a try anytime - 7/5 @ Bet365
- Jack Bostock to score a try anytime - 21/20 @ Bet365
- Tom Trbojevic to score a try anytime - 21/20 @ Bet365
- Sualauvi Fa'alogo to score a try anytime - 6/4 @ Bet365
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RLWC Semi-Final Player Anytime Try Scorer Accas
This is a new section I have added to my rugby league tips. These are some of the personal bets I place each weekend. I choose the Super League games I want to watch - normally all of them that do not clash with Wigan - and I place a four player try scorer acca on each game. I thought I would include this in my Rugby League World Cup tips.
New Zealand vs Tonga Anytime Try Scorer Acca
- Jamayne Isaako - 10/11 @ Bet365
- Casey McLean - 11/10 @ Bet365
- Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - 21/20
- Jojo Fifita - 6/4 @ Bet365
- Anytime Try Scorer Acca - 20/1 @ Bet365
Australia vs Samoa Anytime Try Scorer Acca
- Jack Bostock - 21/20 @ Bet365
- Tom Trbojevic - 21/20 @ Bet365
- Reece Walsh - 7/5 @ Bet365
- Sualauvi Fa'alogo - 6/4 @ Bet365
- Anytime Try Scorer Acca - 25/1 @ Bet365
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Betfred RLWC Price Boosts
Betfred might not be sponsoring Super League from next season, but they have put in the hard work when it comes to the Rugby League World Cup with plenty of price boosts to keep the punters happy. Below is a number of RLWC Price Boosts that you might prefer to some of my tips, although some are quite similar.
New Zealand vs Tonga Betfred RLWC Price Boosts
- Jamayne Isaako & Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to score a try - Was 7/2 NOW 4/1
- New Zealand to win & Jahrome Hughes to score a try - Was 7/2 NOW 4/1
- Tonga +8 & Tolutau Koula to score a try - Was 7/2 NOW 4/1
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