Pool Matches - Week 3: New Zealand v Ireland preview
Kiwis and Wolfhounds open final round of pool matches.
Leeds will play host to New Zealand's clash against Ireland on Friday night BST. Ireland will need to put in a miracle effort to keep their tournament alive, while Maguire's Kiwi side will be confident of locking in their spot at the top of group C - and a likely quarter-final rematch against Fiji.
After a promising start to their campaign against Jamaica, Ireland will be disappointed with their performance last week against Lebanon. With a potential knockout spot on the line, the Irish just couldn't keep pace with the Cedars, and the 32-14 loss all but confirmed Ireland's early flight home. The Wolfhounds showed promise in patches, but ill-discipline and poor defensive reads lost them the game.
The task ahead of them now is a formidable one. They must beat New Zealand, the world number ones, if they're to keep their hopes of progressing alive. They'll have to do this without star Gold Coast forward Jaimin Jolliffe, who has been handed a one match suspension for a high tackle. Liam Byrne will also be missing from the Irish line-up after he was sin-binned against the Cedars.
Giants winger Louis Senior will want to continue his good form in the Ireland jersey. His performance was one of the best in a losing side against Lebanon, scoring a double on the wing and making a number of huge hits in defence. The 22 year old is linking up with the Robins for the 2023 Super League season as he continues to find his feet in the world of professional rugby league, and the experience he's gained at this world cup will be invaluable as his career progresses.
New Zealand will be confident of getting the win this Friday, and they have reason to. Coming off a 62 point smashing of Jamaica, and sitting comfortably at the top of their pool, all the Kiwis need to do to secure their quarter-final spot is keep their cool and play footy. Jahrome Hughes is expected to slot back into his halfback position after missing his side's opening two games through injury.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad started at fullback for the Kiwis last time out, with Joey Manu partnering Kieran Foran in the halves. This line-up will change significantly with the expected return of Hughes, and a number of other positions in the 17 are still very much up for grabs in the coming weeks as the knockout games approach, especially in the outside backs.
For Ireland to cause an upset, they will need to shift up a few gears from their last performance. Luke Keary and Richie Myler need to take control of the game, but their forwards need to work to give them a platform to build off. If New Zealand get the victory, they will finish at the top of group C, and, barring any big upsets, will meet Fiji in their quarter-final.
Who to watch: Winger Innes Senior, twin brother of Louis, plays an important role in the Irish side. The Huddersfield Giant has spent the past five seasons in the Super League (with a brief stint on loan in League 1), and now has plenty of experience playing rugby league at a high level in England. His finishing prowess will be needed as Ireland can't afford to waste any point-scoring opportunities against the Kiwis.
New Zealand hooker Brandon Smith will provide plenty of power going forward for the Kiwis. Recently signing with the Roosters, Smith shared his hooking role with Jeremy Marshall-King, who has recently signed with the Dolphins, against Jamaica. His versatility around the ruck and strength in defence is a big part of an experienced Kiwi forward pack, which will fancy themselves to overpower the Ireland middles.
The favourite New Zealand are the strong favourites to overpower Ireland and head into the quarter-finals on a high.
My tip: Coming off a confidence-killing loss to Lebanon, Ireland won't have much fight left in them. New Zealand by 36.
