Roar Guru
New Zealand
48
Match Complete
Ireland
10
J. Manu | ![]() | 78 | ||
65 | ![]() | L. Senior | ||
D. Brown | ![]() | 63 | ||
K. Bromwich | ![]() | 62 | ||
D. Brown | ![]() | 60 | ||
J. Hughes | ![]() | 59 | ||
J. Fisher-Harris | ![]() | 54 | ||
J. Rapana | ![]() | 47 | ||
R. Mulitalo | ![]() | 37 | ||
P. Hiku | ![]() | 32 | ||
28 | ![]() | L. Senior | ||
J. Rapana | ![]() | 27 | ||
P. Hiku | ![]() | 26 | ||
J. Rapana | ![]() | 19 | ||
J. Rapana | ![]() | 16 | ||
J. Hughes | ![]() | 14 | ||
11 | ![]() | E. Chamberlain |
10 | Tries | 2 | ||
4 | Conversions | 0 | ||
0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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New Zealand complete their preparations for the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals this morning when they take on Ireland at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:30am (AEDT).
New Zealand and Australia appear to be on track for a blockbuster semi-final clash in a few weeks’ time, so every match is crucial in the lead-up. Results aside, the New Zealand coaching staff will be looking at combinations to take the team that little bit further.
Last-start winners over Jamaica by 68-6, the Kiwis were denied a higher scoreline by Kieran Foran missing a number of conversion attempts. They don’t have a recognised goal-kicker, and this could bite come finals time.
New Zealand look to dominate through their large forward pack, with the likes of Jahrome Hughes and Dylan Brown running their game off the back of that momentum. They will play their first game of this World Cup as the Kiwis’ halves pairing.
With Marata Niukore missing with a pec injury, Briton Nikora gets a run in the centres, with that spot up for grabs going forward. Nelson Asofa-Solomona gets himself an edge spot, which will pose all sorts of issues for the Irish defence.
After a first up win against Jamaica, Ireland came crashing back to earth last weekend with a 32-14 loss to Lebanon.
Ireland have a little NRL experience, with Luke Keary and Jaimin Jolliffe in the line-up. Keary is obviously a class player, but won’t be able to do much unless his forwards achieve some parity.
Prediction
As good as this World Cup is, there have been plenty of mismatches to date and this will be no different.
The Kiwis just have too much power up front and a world-class backline, and will almost certainly get the job done.
Kick-off: 6:30am (AEDT)
Venue: Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds
TV: Fox League
Live stream: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
Odds: New Zealand 1.01, Ireland $41 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
New Zealand
1. Joseph Manu 2. Ronaldo Mulitalo 17. Briton Nikora 4. Peta Hiku 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Dylan Brown 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Jesse Bromwich (capt) 9. Brandon Smith 10. James Fisher-Harris 12. Kenny Bromwich 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 13. Joseph Tapine
Interchange: 11. Isaiah Papali’i 14. Kieran Foran 18. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 20. Isaac Liu
Ireland
1. Richie Myler 5. Innes Senior 3. Ed Chamberlain 4. Toby King 20. Louis Senior 6. Luke Keary 7. Joe Keyes 10. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Brendan O’Hagan 17. Dan Norman 11. James Bentley 12. Frankie Halton 13.George King
Interchange: 9 Joshua Cook 14 James McDonnell 15 Harry Rushton 22 James Hasson
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