WORLD CUP 2013

[TITAN PETE]

Thought i start a thread for this event as there are qualifying games happening at the moment

[TITAN PETE]

Lebanon beat Russia on their own turf, boost chances for WC

October 24, 2011 01:04 AM
The Daily Star

BEIRUT: Lebanon beat Russia 32-0 over the weekend, boosting the Cedars team’s chances of qualifying for the 2013 Rugby World Cup.

The Cedars team, who were at a distinct disadvantage because of lack of training facilities and unfamiliar windy and freezing weather in the town of Veraya, Russia, still managed Saturday to pull off a crushing defeat of the Bears, their Russian counterparts.

“It’s a win, but a lot of factors affected our performance,” the NRL website quoted Lebanese coach David Baysarri as saying. Baysarri emphasized that he was just satisfied to come away with a victory.

“We all had to endure freezing conditions, which we’re not used to,” the coach added.

The freezing weather was hardly the only challenge Lebanon’s rugby team has had to contend with lately.

The Lebanese Rugby League, which started around 10 years ago, still has a long way to go before it can generate a real following among youths and sports fans. In spite of this, a few dedicated people have made sure that Lebanon has gotten its own rugby union, league and university competition.

Indeed, if the Cedars’ performance in their first two games of the World Cup qualifying matches are any indication then the team appears to have all the talent and determination it needs to go all the way.

Last week, the Cedars kicked off their Rugby League World Cup qualifying campaign with a stellar 96-4 victory against Serbia.




(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

[TITAN PETE]

Jamaica set to enter Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers
by Phil Caplan on Tuesday 18 Oct 2011 10:18

Jamaica have stepped up their preparations for their bow in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup Atlantic Qualifiers.

The reggae rugby boys, who include Wigan's Karl Pryce in their 20-man squad, face South Africa in Philadelphia on Wednesday, 19th October , the Rhinos having lost 40-4 against USA in the opening round at the weekend.

"Through some hard work behind the scenes at the Jamaica Rugby League Association we have been able to fund an extra day in the USA to aid our preparations," said Jamaica coach Dean Thomas. "We have had three good sessions in the UK at Heworth and done some quality work at our USA training base."

He continued, "We are fully prepared for what will be a battle royal. South Africa will be keen to avoid the wooden spoon and I am sure they will throw everything at us.

"They will be enthusiastic and committed. We need to ensure we have a good defensive attitude and play intelligent rugby league when in possession."

The Rhinos, whose squad is exclusively made up of domestic players, have been forced into one change after defeat to the Tomahawks, Christof Swanepoel suffering a mild concussion. Gerhard de Wet, an exciting youngster from Tuk Bulls, who was a stand out in the warm up game against Canada, comes in to the reckoning.

"The game against the USA was tougher than expected," claimed South Africa skipper Andre Loader. "They fielded basically a fully professional team and the difference in experience showed. The match was played at a higher intensity and quality than we are used to.

"However, the boys dug deep and showed a lot of heart, great spirit, commitment and dedication and I am extremely proud to have been on the field with them.

"The Jamaican team is similar to the USA. However, the guys had a chat and they aim to give the Jamaicans a good go. We know this will be another test of character and it only serves as motivation for us."

JAMAICA 20-man squad
Wayne Allen (Batley Bulldogs), Ashley Johnson (Coventry Bears), Romaen Campbell, Roy Calvert, Ryan Grant (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Joseph Brown (Gateshead Thunder), Jode Sheriffe, Paul White (Halifax), Lamont Bryan, Omari Caro (Harlequins), Ross Peltier (Huddersfield Giants), Richie Barnett, Waine Pryce (Hunslet Hawks), Jymel Coleman, Jamaine Wray (Keighley Cougars), Danny Bravo (Leeds Rhinos), Corey Hanson (Sheffield Eagles), Karl Pryce (Wigan Warriors) Sandino Hastings, Tyronie Rowe (Vauxhall Rugby Club).

SOUTH AFRICA 20-man squad
Henry du Toit, Stevie Meyer, Gerrie Slabber, (Bloemfontein Roosters, Orange Free State), Francois Greyvensteyn, Christo Joubert, Andre Loader, Andre Olwagen, Rudi Prinsloo (Brakpan Bears, Eastern Gauteng), Johan Fritz (Middelburg Tigers, Mpumalanga Province), Gerhard de Wet, Hans du Plessis, Riaan Engelbrecht, Deon Kraemer, Christo Louw, Sivive Mpondo, JP Nel, Pieter van der Nest, Marcelle Slabbert, Jonothan Soares, Rupert Wells (Tuks Bulls, Northern Gauteng).

[TITAN PETE]

USA beat Jamaica to secure 2013 Rugby League World Cup berth

? Tomahawks beat Jamaica 40-4 in Philadelphia

? USA to face Wales and Cook Islands in Group D



guardian.co.uk, Monday 24 October 2011 09.46 BST


The 2013 Rugby League World Cup will be hosted by England and Wales and contested by 14 teams.

The United States were celebrating the culmination of nearly 15 years' work after becoming the 13th nation to secure their place in the 2013 World Cup.

The Tomahawks will line up alongside Wales and the Cook Islands in Group D after beating Jamaica 40-4 in Philadelphia to win the Atlantic zone qualifying group.

It was third time lucky for the States, who lost out to Lebanon in qualifying for the 2000 event and were beaten by Samoa in the preliminary stages of the last World Cup in 2008.

The head coach, Matt Elliott, who was formerly in charge at Bradford, said: "There's been some tough defeats and some near misses. I think the first thing to do is to recognise what everyone did prior to this."

The United States lost all three matches in the 1995 Emerging Nations Cup, which was played alongside the Centenary World Cup in Britain, and Elliott believes the Jamaicans will make similar progress in the years to come.

"They're probably going through the same process as the USA did," he said. "They deserve a heap of credit, the whole coaching staff and all the players."

The final spot in the 14-team World Cup will be decided on Saturday when unbeaten Italy and Lebanon meet in the last round of the European zone qualifying competition in Belgrade.

The winners of that match will line up alongside Scotland and Tonga in Group C.

[TITAN PETE]

Italy set up World Cup qualifier decider

A hat trick by skipper Anthony Minichiello saw Italy book a 2013 Rugby League World Cup decider against Lebanon next week, after a 52-6 win in Belgrade against Serbia in their latest European Zone Qualifier.



The veteran Sydney Rooster crossed twice in the first eight minutes as the Azzurri made the early running but the Serbs, who were rocked by the pre-match withdrawal of their most experienced player Dalibor Vukanovic with a hamstring problem, were no pushovers.

Italy head coach Carlo Napolitano was pleased to keep the bandwagon rolling. ?The game started very passionately, both sides got stuck into one another and the Serbs dragged us into an arm wrestle,? he commented.

?The passages where we stuck to our structure made it very difficult for Serbia to live with us. Riethmuller and Ciraldo were leaders in the middle and Mantellato was outstanding but the Serbs never gave up.?

He added, ?They have heaps of potential, with some big units. It will take them a couple of years to improve that much more but they played really well, controlling the ruck well and defending very bravely.?

?We'll need to improve on our lapses of concentration ahead of next week and do some work on tightening our defence.?

After Minichiello?s initial blitz, on the back of some fine, expansive handling, Serbia regrouped and kept the visitors scoreless for the next ten minutes.

Joel Riethmuller edged the Italians further in front and two tries in three minutes around the half hour mark.

Centre Matt Parrata crossed and man of the match for the second successive week, winger Josh Mantellato, who also kicked eight goals, saw the Italians 28-0 ahead at the break.

Serbia had their moment of glory from the kick off to the second half, Italy spilling the ball, the hosts re-gathering and Zoran Pesic scooting over from acting half back, Adam Nedić goaling.

Three touchdowns in ten minutes soon after, from Dom Nasso, Minichiello with his third and Rhys Lennarduzzi restored the visitor?s supremacy and although Lennarduzzi crossed for his second to bring up the half century, the Serbians finished the stronger.

Vic Mauro was sinbinned in the 66th minute for alleged foul play and the home side dominated possession and territory for the remainder of the game without being able to turn that into what would have been deserved points.

It was a performance that left Serbian Technical Director Lee Crooks suitably impressed. ?It was a very pleasing performance in the context of the vast difference in experience of the two sides,? he said.

?The amount of effort and enthusiasm was outstanding and our control and structure was vastly improved, this week we made collisions stick and stifled the Italians.?

?We don't have that sense of game awareness yet but we'll keep working on it this week. We had Italy on the back foot for long passages in the game, we did the basics much better and put them under sustained pressure but weren't always able to take advantage of it.?

?We go into next week with a lot of confidence. Russia must have played magnificently to limit Lebanon to 32 points and it's a massive game for both sides.?

He proudly noted, ?This match has put Serbian Rugby League on the map. It was a massive performance. Today epitomises the development that's going on here.?



SERBIA 6 (0)

Ivan ?u?njara, Neboj?a ?ivanović, Milo? Ćalić, Danilo Delić, Radovan Tajsić, Adam Nedić, Nik?a Unković, Ilija Radan, Austen Novaković, Dejan Lukenić, Lazar ?ivković, Stefan Nedeljković, Soni Radovanović. Subs: Zoran Pe?ić, Vladan Kikanović, Aleksandar Aleksić,Vuk Tvrdi?ić



Try: Pe?ić (41)

Goal: Nedić



ITALY 52 (28)

Anthony Minichiello (c), Josh Mantellato, Dom Nasso, Matt Parrata, Fabrizio Ciaurra, Ben Stewart, Ryan Ghietti, Vic Mauro, Jonathan Marcinczak, Alex Ranieri, Cameron Ciraldo, Joel Riethmuller, Rhys Lennarduzzi. Subs: Dean Vicelich, Matthew Sands, Ray Nasso, Ryan Tramonte



Tries: Minichiello (5, 8, 50), Riethmuller (19), Parrata (28), Mantellato (31), D. Nasso (45), Lennarduzzi (55, 65)

Goals: Mantellato 8

[TITAN PETE]

Italy set up World Cup qualifier decider

Three touchdowns in ten minutes soon after, from Dom Nasso, Minichiello with his third and Rhys Lennarduzzi restored the visitor?s supremacy and although Lennarduzzi crossed for his second to bring up the half century, the Serbians finished the stronger.

I hope the Yanks are not involved in any more reporting of any Rugby League matches

[DIEHARD]

I hope the Yanks are not involved in any more reporting of any Rugby League matches

Hahaha did you ever hear the commentary for the Souths v Leeds game in Jacksonville or the Liberty Cup Australia vs USA?

It was full of it.

I enjoyed Jamaica vs USA vs Canada.

But the USA really need to sort out their civil war and unify with the USARL. Im utter sick of it. Likewise with the two Italian leagues.

I really hope Lebanon qualifies, they deserve it and are authentic and have been ticking the right boxes for years.

I cant wait for the 2013 World Cup! Not far away now!

[Boofhead]

1. Anthony Minichiello
3. Joel Monaghan
4. Chris Nero
6. Terry Campese
7. Grant Rovelli
8. Aidan Guerra
9. Michael Monaghan
11. Rocky Trimarchi
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Anthony Laffranchi

14. Cameron Ciraldo

Italy for WC2013!

[GC_Titans_Fan]

I hope the Yanks are not involved in any more reporting of any Rugby League matches

What's wrong with what you highlighted?

Nothing wrong with that at all, if they start changing terminology of plays in rugby league then good on them, it'll probably help them spread the game in the US if the game has aspects that are known to them and that they can relate too then it'll only help. There is already difference in terminology between Australia and England on positions and most Europe countries don't even call the sport Rugby League. Never underestimate local angles. I wouldn't mind if they started calling tackles 'downs' and change the name of the sport to 6-down-football. As long as they play it and become passionate about it.

On the USA qualifying, this can only be good for rugby league. Hopefully off the back of this rugby league can grow and get more exposure over there. I've already seen news and magazine articles on rugby league and appearances on sports shows since the USA qualified for their first ever world cup.

Between now and the world cup, I wouldn't mind the two USA competitions co-existing as long as they both develop the game, spread the game and advertise the game. If they are doing this then there is no problem. The only change I want is for the USARL players be considered for the USA national team!

[TITAN PETE]

Italy qualify for final Cup spot in dramatic fashion

NRL.com Sun, Oct 30, 2011 - 2:35 PM

There were tears aplenty and high emotions on both sides in Belgrade as Italy became the 14th and final nation to qualify for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup for the first time in their history.

The Azzurri secured a place in Group C of the main tournament on points? difference thanks to a 78th minute drop goal from scrum half Ryan Ghietti, given by referee Thierry Alibert, which secured a 19-19 draw with luckless Lebanon.

The Cedars had fought back from an 18-0 half time deficit and looked set to have prized victory when Nadim Couri?s one-pointer edged them in front with only four minutes remaining. However, from the restart, Lebanon fumbled possession and in the resulting set, Northern Pride?s Ghietti struck to devastating effect.

The difference for qualification ultimately came down to Lebanon not scoring enough points in the second half of their match in Russia the week before when, having built up a 26 point lead, they were restricted to only one other score in the second period while Italy?s bigger win over Serbia saw them go into the crunch clash with an eight point advantage.

The outcome left Italian coach Carlo Napolitano in a state of shock. ?My overwhelming feeling is one of joy and relief,? he said. ?When Lebanon slotted their drop goal over to lead I slumped into my chair, it was a surreal moment, I thought it was 1999 again when we lost to the Cedars in a World Cup qualifier.?

?I called for a short kick off and we managed to get the ball back and equalise, I can hardly believe it,? he added ?We lost Ranieri and Ciraldo in the first half with shoulder and rib injuries and, full credit to Lebanon, they attacked us and knew we couldn?t get relief from bench.?

?In terms what the result means to rugby league in Italy, its hard gauge moment. I hope the public support us and numbers get down to the clubs in the country to grow the sport over the next important two years.?

A first minute altercation in front of a vibrant Serbian crowd set the tone for a physical encounter but poor discipline by Lebanon ? including dissent - proved to be their initial undoing, losing the penalty count 7-2 in the first half, and 11-6 overall, when they conceded three converted tries.

By the end of the first quarter, prop Alex Ranieri and back rower Cameron Ciraldo had been forced from the field but when the Cedars failed to diffuse a steepling bomb and conceded a second set of six near their own line, Italian loose forward Ben Falcone latched on to a fine offload to open the scoring, Josh Mantellato goaling.

On the half hour, Lebanon looked as though they would level but a knock on ruined a long Nick Kassis break and almost immediately Italy struck for their second score, Ben Stewart crossing and Mantellato adding the extras.

The impressive Wyong winger, who has had a terrific qualifying tournament, then went over five minutes from the break on the end of a flowing passing move, the decisive last, long ball coming from skipper Anthony Minichiello; Mantellato landing the conversion to take his points tally to ten.

Lebanon, revived by coach David Baysarri?s exhortations during the interval, came out with renewed intent at the start of the second period, a long Ray Moujali break in the 42nd minute again ending in squandered possession.

Soon after, another Kassis bust set the position Adnan El Zabedieh to go over, Couri goaling and momentum began to shift. It was transformed with two tries in as many minutes in the lead up to the hour as first Moujali powered over and, with the Cedars making ground with every set, a kick on the last tackle took a fortunate bounce and James Boustani was on hand to take a scoring offload, Couri adding his third successful conversion to level.

The final, increasingly tense and dramatic quarter looked to be heading for stalemate as the Italian defence tightened, Couri missing a drop goal attempt with eight minutes to go. He landed his next effort but then, with the short kick off spilt, Ghietti stepped up to be the hero.

It was Lebanon?s third draw, after two against Ireland in the lead up to the 2008 World Cup, and again it ultimately cost them qualification.

Italian Azzurri:
Tries: Ben Falcone, Ben Stewart, Josh Mantellato
Goals: Josh Mantellato 3 from 3
Field Goals: Ryan Ghietti 1
Team: Anthony Minichiello, Josh Mantellato, Dom Nasso, Matt Parrata, Christophe Calegari, Ben Stewart, Ryan Ghietti, Alex Ranieri, Ray Nasso, Vic Mauro, Cameron Ciraldo, Joel Riethmuller, Ben Falcone; Subs: Dean Vicelich, Rob Quitadamo, Ryan Tramonte, Rhys Lenarduzzi

Lebanon Cedars:
Tries: Adnan El Zabedieh, Ray Moujali, James Boustani
Goals: Nadim Couri 3 from 3
Field Goals: Nadim Couri 1
Team: Adnan Saleh, Adnan El Zabedieh, Danny Barakat, Adham Elzabedieh, Clifton Nye, James Boustani, Nadim Couri, Charlie Farah, Jamie Clark, Khaled Deeb, Ahmed Ellaz, Steve Azzi, Ray Moujali; Subs: Chris Saab, Nick Kassis, Allen Soultan, Robin Hachache

[TITAN PETE]

Italy qualify for final Cup spot in dramatic fashion

NRL.com Sun, Oct 30, 2011 - 2:35 PM

There were tears aplenty and high emotions on both sides in Belgrade as Italy became the 14th and final nation to qualify for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup for the first time in their history.


It was Lebanon?s third draw, after two against Ireland in the lead up to the 2008 World Cup, and again it ultimately cost them qualification.

Italian Azzurri:
Tries: Ben Falcone, Ben Stewart, Josh Mantellato
Goals: Josh Mantellato 3 from 3
Field Goals: Ryan Ghietti 1
Team: Anthony Minichiello, Josh Mantellato, Dom Nasso, Matt Parrata, Christophe Calegari, Ben Stewart, Ryan Ghietti, Alex Ranieri, Ray Nasso, Vic Mauro, Cameron Ciraldo, Joel Riethmuller, Ben Falcone; Subs: Dean Vicelich, Rob Quitadamo, Ryan Tramonte, Rhys Lenarduzzi

Lebanon Cedars:
Tries: Adnan El Zabedieh, Ray Moujali, James Boustani
Goals: Nadim Couri 3 from 3
Field Goals: Nadim Couri 1
Team: Adnan Saleh, Adnan El Zabedieh, Danny Barakat, Adham Elzabedieh, Clifton Nye, James Boustani, Nadim Couri, Charlie Farah, Jamie Clark, Khaled Deeb, Ahmed Ellaz, Steve Azzi, Ray Moujali; Subs: Chris Saab, Nick Kassis, Allen Soultan, Robin Hachache

Got to feel sorry for Lebanon for coming so close again , but at least they still have the Bulldogs

[DIEHARD]

Got to feel sorry for Lebanon for coming so close again , but at least they still have the Bulldogs

More evidence that we really need an Emerging Nations World Cup once again!

I remember years ago starting a petition to bring back the World Cup, well now Rugby League needs an ENWC. Itd do more good than many other projects. We need to give something for nations to aim for and to pitch funding proposals for.

[Boofhead]

Hell yes. Go the Azzurri!

[TITAN PETE]

Four countries to stage 2013 RL World Cup

AAP Mon, Nov 28, 2011 - 10:06 PM


Four countries - England, Wales, Ireland and France - will host the 2013 rugby league World Cup, the Rugby Football League announced on Monday.

The group stages and quarter-finals of the competition, involving 14 teams, will take place at 18 venues including Avignon and Perpignan in France and Ireland's rugby union stronghold of Thomond Park.

Venues for the the opening ceremony, the semi-finals and the final, as well as the precise fixtures, will be confirmed early next year.

The quarter-finals will be held at Headingley, Warrington and Wigan in England and Wrexham in Wales.

Tournament director Nigel Wood said: "We experienced massive interest in hosting matches from all across Europe and we have had to make some tough decisions.

"We are excited that the tournament will visit established world-class rugby league venues but will also visit some new locations, including Bristol and Whitehaven, where we see unique opportunities to grow the game and to deliver a lasting legacy for our sport."

The tournament will consist of two pools of four and two of three.

Australia have been drawn alongside England, Fiji and Ireland in Group A while holders New Zealand will face Papua New Guinea, Samoa and France in Group B.

Scotland will face Tonga and Italy in Group C and Wales have been drawn against the Cook Islands and the United States in Group D.

[RIP]

Dose anyone have an idea when they (world cup/RLIF) will release the fixtures and the venues where they will be playing at. *I know they have release the venues of where games will be hold*