Opening game could be a blinder

[Perth Red]

The England v Samoa opening game could be massive in terms of outcomes. An England win will set them up nicely for the tournament, a loss and the pressure will be on them from day 1. Should be a big crowd in Newcastle for this with so much on the line. Hope they are hyping it up over there.

 

[Irish-bulldog]

I honestly think England will struggle, Samoa have a far better team on paper.
Would that mean England vs Tonga QF ? Nz semi ?.

 

[yakstorm]

I honestly think England will struggle, Samoa have a far better team on paper.
Would that mean England vs Tonga QF ? Nz semi ?.

England can't face NZ before the Final, so if they lose to Samoa in the opening game, they'll face most likely Tonga in the QF and then the winner of what will most likely be Samoa v PNG.

 

[magpie_man]

The England v Samoa opening game could be massive in terms of outcomes. An England win will set them up nicely for the tournament, a loss and the pressure will be on them from day 1. Should be a big crowd in Newcastle for this with so much on the line. Hope they are hyping it up over there.

I agree; I'm actually tipping an England victory here and, if they are any chance of toppling Samoa, this is their best chance.
Home turf advantage with the unique climactic conditions will be a significant factor in England's favour early on.
I also think that Samoa have the stronger team sheet but they may take a bit of time to build combinations and cohesion as they advance further into the tournament so England's best chance of beating them will be facing them early.
Should be a ripper either way, can't wait.

 

[Clarkent]

I agree; I'm actually tipping an England victory here and, if they are any chance of toppling Samoa, this is their best chance.
Home turf advantage with the unique climactic conditions will be a significant factor in England's favour early on.
I also think that Samoa have the stronger team sheet but they may take a bit of time to build combinations and cohesion as they advance further into the tournament so England's best chance of beating them will be facing them early.
Should be a ripper either way, can't wait.

I think when it comes to combination samoa has a massive advantage on that. Panthers backline and you've got veterans like Paulo and Papali'i who have played alot of games together at the Raiders before and also the last world cup. From what I've heard the English backs haven't played together before. Luai, Milford and CHT all played together for samoa a couple of years ago. I'm saying that the English at home will be tough. But if they turn up like GB did a couple of years ago I see samoa winning this match

 

[Clarkent]

The England v Samoa opening game could be massive in terms of outcomes. An England win will set them up nicely for the tournament, a loss and the pressure will be on them from day 1. Should be a big crowd in Newcastle for this with so much on the line. Hope they are hyping it up over there.

Could be the game of the tournament tbh. That is if samoa don't end up facing tonga in the quarter finals or semis. I don't think the world cup has been this exciting ever before kick off

 

[Billythekid]

My hope is it’s an absolute blunder with the English squeaking out a victory. Would set up the tournament perfectly.

 

[jim_57]

My hope is it’s an absolute blunder with the English squeaking out a victory. Would set up the tournament perfectly.

That side of the draw could be anything, if PNG get a full strength squad or close to it I wouldn’t rule them out upsetting Tonga in the group or Samoa/England in the finals.

On the other side Fiji can hopefully give Australia and NZ a good game but it’s hard to see anything other than an Australia Vs NZ semi. Ireland & Lebanon should fight it out for the other quarter final spot.

 

[Clarkent]

That side of the draw could be anything, if PNG get a full strength squad or close to it I wouldn’t rule them out upsetting Tonga in the group or Samoa/England in the finals.

On the other side Fiji can hopefully give Australia and NZ a good game but it’s hard to see anything other than an Australia Vs NZ semi. Ireland & Lebanon should fight it out for the other quarter final spot.

Nz having a easy pool might be a bad thing. They need to be ready for the aussies in the semis.

 

[jim_57]

Nz having a easy pool might be a bad thing. They need to be ready for the aussies in the semis.

Lebanon and Ireland should put up a bit of a fight, Jamaica not so much. Australia’s only real challenge will be Fiji and they’ll probably put 30-40+ on them, Italy and Scotland scores could be scary.

 

[Desert Qlder]

England invariably disappoint and never live up to the hype.

 

[Perth Red]

England invariably disappoint and never live up to the hype.

you mean like last RLWC where they made the final and came with a couple of tries of winning it despite the gulf in class?

 

[Desert Qlder]

Pretty much any time in the past 45 years. Same again this year.

 

[Perth Red]

Pretty much any time in the past 45 years. Same again this year.

Most of the time we dont expect much so are rarely disappointed lol.
early 90's only time I thought we had a real chance of winning and should have won, that was the only time I've been gutted. Other times we are a long way behind and actually perform better than I expected!

 

[BadnMean]

I agree; I'm actually tipping an England victory here and, if they are any chance of toppling Samoa, this is their best chance.
Home turf advantage with the unique climactic conditions will be a significant factor in England's favour early on.
I also think that Samoa have the stronger team sheet but they may take a bit of time to build combinations and cohesion as they advance further into the tournament so England's best chance of beating them will be facing them early.
Should be a ripper either way, can't wait.

Samoa have had good teams on paper before- but failed to deliver. The flow on effect from Tonga taking Test footy dead seriously and believing they can beat the "big" teams may just be that Samoa finally do the same.

Can't wait to see it myself. International footy is some of my favourite footy.

I suspect Samoa will come with a pace and physicality than England won't be able to match. I expect G Willy to do well but he's up against Luai.

Whether guys like Tomkins, Bateman and Whitehead stand up seems key. Bateman and Whitehead are pretty experienced and their opposite numbers are big and talented but have been slightly suspect in defence. It'll be up to GWilly and Bateman/Whitehead to see if they can target them there.

 

[blukablu]

Samoa could definitely win if they meet in the semi-final, can't see it happening in this game. They've only just arrived in the UK and half the squad was in the Grand Final game so I doubt they've had a chance to train at all whereas England has been in camp for weeks and just played a warm-up match.

 

[big hit!]

I agree; I'm actually tipping an England victory here and, if they are any chance of toppling Samoa, this is their best chance.
Home turf advantage with the unique climactic conditions will be a significant factor in England's favour early on.
I also think that Samoa have the stronger team sheet but they may take a bit of time to build combinations and cohesion as they advance further into the tournament so England's best chance of beating them will be facing them early.
Should be a ripper either way, can't wait.

2-6 are all Penrith!

 

[blukablu]

2-6 are all Penrith!

Other than To'o they are going to look like plodders without Edwards, Cleary, Api, Kikau and Yeo carrying them.