Blowouts abound in the Rugby League World Cup group stage — but for smaller nations it's a bridge to the future
ABCThere was never any doubt that Australia would run away with things against Italy, which makes it a bit of a tough sell to the average punter. The Kangaroos score a comfortable win over Italy in their final pool match as they advance to the quarter-finals of the Rugby League World Cup. Jamaica was trounced by New Zealand but Ben Jones-Bishop's try was one of the moments of the Rugby League World Cup so far. The best moments of the World Cup thus far have come when those players have had their moments in the sun and if you care to look, these shining seconds are everywhere – like when Ben Jones-Bishop scored Jamaica's first World Cup try, sparking delirium among the Reggae Warriors despite a heavy loss to New Zealand. Or when Ireland's Ronan Michael, a proud son of Balbriggan who hadn't even heard of rugby league five years ago but now plays professionally in England, roared the Irish anthem with tears in his eyes before his World Cup debut against the Kiwis.
History of this topic
Wales v Australia LIVE: Rugby World Cup 2023 result and reaction from record win as Wallabies face shock exit
The Independent
New Zealand played with fury but it wasn't enough to down Australia at the Rugby League World Cup
ABC
As the Rugby League World Cup heats up, there's a hidden danger in Australia's pointscoring romps
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Rugby League World Cup: Australian Kangaroos beat Italy 66-6 in St Helens to top Group B
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