NRL 2022, World Cup, Rugby League World Cup overnight recap, highlights, scores, details, injuries, standings and more

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Tue 18 Oct 2022, 09:09 AM

Here’s what you might have missed overnight at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.

Round 1 - Round 1 - Monday 17 Oct

Full Time

France

Greece

Venue: Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster

Highlights Latest

France launched their World Cup campaign in style with a 34-12 win over competition newcomers Greece at Eco-Power Stadium.

Also overnight, Lebanon five-eighth Adam Doueihi and Samoa halfback Anthony Milford are set to miss their team's second World Cup games after being charged over incidents in the opening round.

Doueihi was sent off by referee Grant Atkins for dissent midway through the second half of the Cedars 28-12 loss while Milford also faces a one-match suspension for a late tackle on England fullback Sam Tomkins during Samoa's 60-6 loss to England.

The main takeaways

France scored three tries to lead 20-0 at half-time and after two more after the break.
Greece opened their account in the second half after Siteni Taukamo claimed their first-ever World Cup try on 56 minutes.
Despite an incredible late try by Nick Mougios, France did enough to go level at the top of Group A with England, who they face on Saturday.
In their first Rugby League World Cup match, Greece put up an impressive fight against France and coach Steve Georgallis said he was 'very proud' of his side's performance.

Robinson pushing for growth in French rugby league

Star performers

France skipper Benjamin Garcia was immense for his side at lock, taking home the player of the match award, but Arthur Mourgue was the unsung hero of the match. Mourgue controlled the game off the boot, setting up tries with perfectly weighted kicks across the park and kicking all five conversions. The 23-year-old five-eighth is one of five players boasting a perfect record with the boot after the opening six matches of the World Cup.

🇫🇷 Gigot wasn't giving that one up and France extend their lead!#RLWC2021 | @BBCSport | @FFRXIII | #FRAGRE pic.twitter.com/gCaQTEasfD
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 17, 2022

What the result means

France's round one victory brings them level at the top of Group A with England, who they face on Saturday to fight for a place in the quarter final. France will go into the match full of confidence after a strong round one win. While Greece will need to produce a stunning upset over Samoa to keep their tournament alive.