Event of the Day: Australia v England
Our event of the day
is the opening of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup hosted across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The tournament’s opening game features two tier one nations as Australia take on England at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. The result of this opening game could have a significant impact on how the rest of the tournament shapes up as the winner will likely have an easier path to the final while the loser will likely face New Zealand – the other tier one nation – in the semi-finals. It promises to be an explosive opening to the tournament.
England will look to improve on their showing in the last World Cup in 2013 when they were beaten by New Zealand at Wembley Stadium thanks to a last minute try from Shaun Johnson. Australia, meanwhile, went on to beat New Zealand in the 2013 final 34-2 and the defending champions will be favourites to retain their title this year – particularly being one of the host nations. Fans can expect an intense game today as two of the tournament favourites go head to head in the competition opener.
Honourable mentions
around the globe go to the rugby union Aviva Premiership game between Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs at the AJ Bell Stadium. Sale will look to continue their fine home form, having lost just once at the AJ bell since March. In the Argentine Primera División - Superliga Argentina Banfield take on Colón de Santa Fe at the Estadio Florencio Sola. It’s the third game of the MLB World Series between the Houston Astros and the LA Dodgers at Minute Maid Park, the series is tied 1-1 after a thrilling victory for the Astros on Wednesday. There are six NHL games including the Vegas Golden Knights versus the Colorado Avalanche at the T-Mobile Arena and the EFL Championship sees a Yorkshire derby between Leeds United and Sheffield United. It’s the fourth day of the cycling Six Day Series in London and the NBA continues with seven games including the Golden State Warriors against the Washington Wizards at the Oracle Arena.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by RLWC 2017