Fri 4 Nov: RLWC: Australia v Lebanon 19:30

[John Drake]

Discuss Australia v Lebanon here.

[my missus]

lebanon holding aus for 20 mins and then an aus rush of scores 24 -0 at half time.

[Londonbornirishbred]

Would love this to be close at Half-time and have fear, uncertainty and doubt creep into the Kangaroos. That said, can't see past 40+ points to Australia by full time.

 

GOOD ARTICLE HERE IN NZ PRESS

[RayCee]

They have met once before at a WC in 2017, with Australia winning 34-0. I expect the Cedars will score but it a another 34 point margin is a possibility.

[StandOffHalf]

50-10

[Archie Gordon]

0-0-2

0-6-0

Australia's 'against' column in the last two RLWCs for sudden death games.

The 2022 incarnation feels slightly more vulnerable to me. Let's hope so.

[Dunbar]

Lebanon have looked fit, strong and well organised with a couple of very good players in key positions.

Remember they only lost to Tonga by 2 points in the last World Cup quarters.

I am not crazy enough to suggest that they will win but I don't think this Kangaroo side is right up there with the best we have seen and so I hope to see a decent game.

[GeordieSaint]

Greatest shock in RL history… 

[hw88]

It would be nice if Lebanon could win but I seriously doubt it - like everyone else on here I suspect.

However it is nice for Lebanon to be associated with something positive for a change - normally 'Lebanon' (and the Middle East in general) is a name linked with death and destruction.

[tim2]

Australia by 30+

[MZH]

Whilst it would be hilarious if Lebanon win I hope they don't. I want this to be the year where we take revenge for decades of misery. I want to see Addo-Carr grasping at thin air as Young skins him to finish in the corner. I want to see Cleary lashing out at Welsby because he's given him a pat on the head after blowing a try. I want to see what the excuses are, and who the fingers get pointed at. 

Of course I'm dreaming, but the point is, I want a shot at the King.

Aussies by 32

Edited November 3, 2022 by MZH

[Chronicler of Chiswick]

If Australia win by less than 40, then they need to worry a bit - don't think it'll happen, though.

[The_Gun]

Lebanon have a great halves combo and Moses is a superb tactical kicker, but their forwards have very little first grade experience, so kind of the opposite of a lot of the second tier teams. I think they can probably keep it close-ish in the first half before Australia run away with it later on. 

[Spidey]

Up the Cedars

[Just Browny]

I really hope the good people of Huddersfield and around can be tempted out of their armchairs for this, it could be good if Lebanon have a few tricks up their sleeves early on.

[MattSantos]

Interestingly, i think they've picked both Cleary and DCE. 

I reckon DCE will cover at 9 rather than Hunt.

 

[Young Blood]

Hope Lebanon can pull off some surprises early bag a few try's and make it interesting. Australia will win comfortably though. 

[DavidM]

Australia by 30

[Dunbar]

46 minutes ago, MattSantos said:

Interestingly, i think they've picked both Cleary and DCE. 

I reckon DCE will cover at 9 rather than Hunt.

 

Crazy decision.  Hunt is so much better in that role.

[MattSantos]

Just now, Dunbar said:

Crazy decision.  Hunt is so much better in that role.

I'm hoping its a crack in their camp.

Just pick Cleary and move on. 

 

[Dunbar]

These teams met in 2017 - group stages rather than knockout.

But Australia were only winning by 8 at half time and they had a strong team with the likes or Tom Trbojevic, Boyd Cordner, Cameron Munster and Cooper Cronk.

I don't think Australia have got better and Lebanon certainly have.

Again, I expect an Australia win but it isn't a gimme.

[IM2]

probably a 30 to 40 point margin but respectable and Lebanon to score twice

[MatthewWoody]

This is gonna be an interesting Friday night. 

Australia to win, but Lebanon can come close. 

We always forget how good they were in 2017 and how close to beating Tonga they went. 

[MatthewWoody]

16 hours ago, Londonbornirishbred said:

Would love this to be close at Half-time and have fear, uncertainty and doubt creep into the Kangaroos. That said, can't see past 40+ points to Australia by full time.

 

GOOD ARTICLE HERE IN NZ PRESS

“Obviously having a rugby union background has seen [Cheika] take a really hands-on role with the ruck,” veteran winger and former Kangaroo Josh Mansour says.

“I feel like he can get a bit hot-headed sometimes, but [assistant coach] Matt King’s really calm and collected so it’s a bit of a perfect mesh with them both.

“Everything starts at the ruck and he’s really taken a hands-on approach with that role.

“There’s a few tactics that get thrown around at training, we’ll leave them in the back pocket for Australia.”

Doueihi and Moses both hinted at more “trick plays” in Saturday morning’s quarterfinal (8.30am NZ time).

[MattSantos]

50 nil.

Leagues apart.