Tonga demolish Scots, Ireland and Lebanon win

SYDNEY: Star-studded Tonga showed they could prove the wrecking ball of this year’s Rugby League World Cup with a 50-4 demolition of Scotland, as Lebanon and Ireland posted victories on Sunday.

The Tongans, bolstered by the inclusions of National Rugby League powerhouses Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, ran in nine tries with former Australia Test centre Michael Jennings nabbing a hat-trick.

With Taumalolo leading the way Tonga rushed on seven tries to lead 38-0 at half-time in Cairns.

It was more sedate after the resumption with the Tongans fumbling their way in a 12-4 second half but they were still far superior to the fourth-ranked Bravehearts.

Next Saturday’s showdown with Samoa in Hamilton will be critical in determining how the finals layout looks for each team.

“I really think Tonga are capable of getting there and on their day they can cause an upset,” former New South Wales State of Origin coach Laurie Daley said.

Mitchell Moses spearheaded Lebanon to their firstever World Cup victory as they defeated France 29-18 in Canberra.

The Parramatta Eels playmaker was at the heart of Lebanon’s attack as he scored a try, set up another two and landed a drop goal.

The victory puts Lebanon in prime position to progress from Group A along with co-hosts Australia and England to the quarter-finals.

Ireland pulled off the first upset of the tournament with the Wolfhounds stunning Italy 36-12 in Cairns.

Having amassed just 14 points at the 2013 World Cup, the Irish matched that tally inside 20 minutes and then kicked on in the second half after the Azzurri had threatened a comeback with tries either side of the interval. - AFP