RLWC No Dud so Far

Although some predicted that the 2008 Rugby League World Cup would be a joke due to lopsided scorelines, all but one match so far have been contests. Last weekend, Tonga squeaked by Ireland 22-20 Monday, trailing until they scored a late try to win. On Sunday, Scotland stayed within a try of France at several points before succumbing 18-38. And Saturday, Papua New Guinea was beating England at the half before England took control in the second period for a 32-22 win.

Of course, Australia's lopsided 30-6 win over New Zealand Sunday leaves many thinking that the Kangaroos are still the overwhelming favorites, but three close contests from four is not a bad outcome for the tournament's opening weekend. Even the exhibition match between an Australian Indigenous side and a New Zealand Maori side was a thriller, with the Maori holding a lead as late as the last ten minutes before losing 34-26.

If you haven't had a look yet (U.S. viewers can watch on the Setanta network or online on Espn360.com), reconsider it. This weekend has some exciting clashes ahead, including a Tonga-Samoa showdown that promises to be intense.

Here's a bit of what you've missed so far:

Tonga v. Ireland:


PNG v. England:


Australia v. NZ:


And if you're a fan of traditional pre-match ceremonies such as the famous New Zealand Haka, you won't want to miss the spectacle that took place before the Maori-Indigenous exhibition match: