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2017 Rugby League World Cup - Australia vs Lebanon Match Preview

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The Lowdown

AUSTRALIA

  • Australia qualified for the quarter-finals as they strolled to a comfortable win over France, defeating their opponents by 52 points to 6. Second-rower Wade Graham stole the show with four tries.
  • Mal Meninga has again opted to rotate his troops as the group stage draws to a close. Billy Slater, Will Chambers, Josh Dugan, Michael Morgan, Tyson Frizell and Josh McGuire all drop out with Dane Gagai, James Maloney, Cooper Cronk, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett and Ben Hunt coming in to the side.
  • Australia have now won their last eight World Cup contests and have conceded no more than six points in their last seven World Cup matches, a run they will hope to extend in this game.

Head Coach: Mal Meninga

Team: Holmes; Gagai, Trbojevic, Munster, Mansour; Maloney, Cronk; Woods, Smith, Klemmer, Cordner, Gillett, Kaufusi

Bench: Hunt, McLean, Campbell-Gillard, Graham

LEBANON

  • Lebanon put in a valiant effort against opposition deemed much superior to them but couldn't quite live with England as they were defeated 29-10.
  • Brad Fittler is hoping to finally have Chris Saab available after he was a late withdrawal for the second game running. He comes into the side alongside Anthony Layoun, James Elias and Andrew Kazzi.
  • Lebanon's defeat to England was their first loss in their last five internationals but will expect to fall to another defeat here against the tournament favourites.

Head Coach: Brad Fittler

Team: Layoun; Robinson, Elias, Doueihi, Miski; Moses, Farah; Mannah, Lichaa, Twal, Saab, Ellaz, Kassis

Bench: Mamary, Moujalli, Clark, Kazzi

Analysis - what to expect
Australia cemented their place at the top of Group A as they qualified for the quarter-finals with a comprehensive win over France. They now face a Lebanon side that need a win to ensure they also progress but toppling the current World Champions looks a mammoth task. The Cedars will be keeping a keen eye on how France get on against England but their win in their opening group game against the French should be enough to see them qualify. Australia head into the game as 44 point favourites and although Lebanon have competed well so far, the Australians should cover that handicap.

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