Pool Matches - Week 3: England v Greece preview
Greece look for their first win against Group A supremacy
England will be looking to maintain their undefeated streak in group stage play when they go head to head with Greece at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Sunday morning (AEDT) time.
It's safe to say the extra year of preparation have assisted the English side well. Shaun Wane has this side primed to make a deep run into the knock-out stages of this World Cup. With their place in the last eight secured, it'll be interesting to see how Wane approaches team selection. Wane has flagged changes for this game, and there's a strong chance that we see excitement machines Kai Pearce-Paul and Joe Batchelor make their international debut. In particular, there's going to be a strong emphasis on Pearce-Paul as he is linked with a move to the NRL.
Last start, England were far too strong defeating France by 24 points in Bolton. But there were times where the English side were complacent and let a strong 18-0 lead slip just before the break. They were able to recover and secure a strong performance and seal top place in the group for the first time since 1995. To defeat Greece, they just need to play simplistic football and avoid complacency against a Greek side looking for their first win at this World Cup.
On the Greece side of the coin, it's been a World Cup of transition for this side. Just back in July, rugby league was made legal in the country of Greece. While they are unable to make the knock-out stages, they've won over our hearts with strong showings in each of their first two group games. The purpose of a World Cup is to test your skills against the best of the world and build the sport. Greece have achieved those two in flying colours.
Unsurprisingly though, Greece have been outplayed quite convincingly in the first two matches. No matter how hard they try, the class difference was evident in the 72-4 annihilation at the hands of Samoa. Conceding 13 tries as the Samoans went through the Greek defence with little resistance. The positive was they were able to nab a try when Lachie Ilias was able to get on the receiving end of a chip and chase. Hopefully, Steve Georgallis can fire up the troops to be competitive against the Three Lions.
Last meeting: never met in internationals.
Who to watch: As mentioned, Kai Pearce-Paul is the focal point of this clash today. He is the attention of big offers from the NRL and will cause all sorts of problems for the Greek attack. Pearce-Paul has a strong attacking game and bone-crunching defence. His skill-set could be the difference to allow England run away with it.
Across their first two group games, Billy Magoulias has been the cog turning the wheel in attack for the Greek side. Playing in the unfamiliar position of 5/8 in the absence of Jordan Meads, Magoulias was immense trying to lift his side off the canvas against Samoa. This week against England, Magoulias will be the key piece that will help the Greek side keep this match competitive.
The favourite: England are strong favourites in this Group A clash.
My tip: Short and sweet, England to secure a big victory and go top of Group A. They've just got too much experience over the top of the Greek side. England by 40.
