Wales vs Cook Islands

rhugh89

rhugh89

Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Thread for this Group D clash on Monday 11th November

1:00am (AEDT)
12:00am (AEST)

Live on 7mate


Wales vs The Cook Islands - 2013 World Cup @ The Gnoll, Neath


Head to Head

Played - 1
Wales - 1
Cook Islands - 0


In England

Played - 1
Wales - 1
Cook Islands - 0


World Cup Matches

Played - 1
Wales - 1
Cook Islands - 0


Wales Record in the World Cup

Played - 18
Won - 8
Lost - 10


Wales Overall Test Record

Played - 178
Won - 62
Drawn - 3
Lost - 114


Cook Islands Record in the World Cup

Played - 5
Won - 0
Drawn - 1
Lost - 4


Cook Islands Overall Test Record

Played - 13
Won - 4
Drawn - 1
Lost - 8


2013 WORLD CUP STATS


Metres Gained

Wales - 2,227m (11th in the 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 2,423m (8th in the 2013 RLWC)


Tries

Wales - 6 (Equal 10th in the 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 7 (9th in the 2013 RLWC)


Line Breaks

Wales - 4 (Equal 11th in the 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 9 (Equal 6th in the 2013 RLWC)


Tackle Breaks

Wales - 62 (7th in the 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 63 (6th in the 2013 RLWC)


Tackles

Wales - 678 (3rd in the 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 683 (2nd in the 2013 RLWC)


Missed Tackles

Wales - 52 (9th in the 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 79 (WORST IN THE 2013 RLWC)


Errors

Wales - 18 (EQUAL BEST IN THE 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 18 (EQUAL BEST IN THE 2013 RLWC)


40/20's

Wales - 0 (EQUAL WORST IN THE 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 0 (EQUAL WORST IN THE 2013 RLWC)


Yellow Cards

Wales - 0 (EQUAL BEST IN THE 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 0 (EQUAL BEST IN THE 2013 RLWC)


Red Cards

Wales - 0 (EQUAL BEST IN THE 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 0 (EQUAL BEST IN THE 2013 RLWC)


Penalties Recieved

Wales - 17 (5th in the 2013 RLWC)
Cook Islands - 19 (EQUAL MOST IN THE 2013 RLWC)



Facts and Figures


* These 2 teams have only played each other once and that was in the 2000 World Cup with Wales winning that game 38-6


* Wales are Ranked Number 5 in the RLIF Rankings


* The Cook Islands are Ranked Number 18 in the RLIF Rankings




* 2013 World Cup Stats courtesy of www.rlwc2013.com

* Historical Stats are my own work

* As with my stats in Knights games through out the year the Errors and Missed Tackles Stats are in reversed order, The higher your ranking the worse it is e.g The Cook Islands are ranked WORST in Missed Tackles , This means they make the highest amount of Missed Tackles out of the 14 teams competing at the 2013 RLWC
 
Last edited:
Wales have seriously dropped off the face of the earth. They used to be great in 2000 and 08 but haven't really created anything this year.
 
Hamish171 said:
Wales have seriously dropped off the face of the earth. They used to be great in 2000 and 08 but haven't really created anything this year.
Click to expand...

They didn't even qualify for the 2008 World Cup, so I wouldn't say they were great that year.
 
Oh whoops! Don't know who I was thinking of there then. But anyway, there are number 5 in the world (not that means anything in rugby league), they should be doing alot better.
 
Harris aims to go out on high

By Ian Laybourn
AAP
12:18am Sun 10th November, 2013

Wales will be seeking to restore some pride when they bring their desperately disappointing World Cup campaign to a close in Neath.

Iestyn Harris' men were strongly fancied to top their group and secure a home quarter-final in Wrexham, but back-to-back defeats by the qualifiers, USA and Italy, undermined much of the good work undertaken by Wales Rugby League over the last five years.

Their 24-16 defeat to the Tomahawks came in front of a bumper crowd of 8019 at the Racecourse Ground, which may struggle to match that for next Saturday's last-eight meeting between the Americans and tournament favourites Australia.

Harris' immediate concern is to bow out on a high against the Cook Islands in a 'dead rubber' at The Gnoll on Sunday, which he still sees as an opportunity to cash in on the interest generated by the World Cup.

"We've trained well this week and, although we can't now make the quarter-finals of the World Cup, we want to go out on a win," Harris said.

"We're pleased that we've managed to play games at the homes of both North Wales Crusaders and now South Wales Scorpions and we know that the crowds for these games will be about 10 times their normal attendances.

"So if anything, a good performance this Sunday from us will hopefully bring new fans into the Scorpions next season. That can only be good for the game in Wales."

Harris kicked seven goals when Wales beat the Cook Islands 38-6 in their last meeting in the 2000 World Cup, but a repeat of that success is by no means guaranteed.

The Islanders were valiant in a 22-16 defeat by Tonga in midweek and coach David Fairleigh, the former St Helens forward, says his team have history in their sights.

"I was pleased with the way the boys performed against Tonga, even though we didn't get the result we wanted," Fairleigh said.

"We were a little bit below par against the USA but we improved a lot against Tonga and, if we continue to improve, we'll get that win we all want.

"Getting the Cook Islands' first ever World Cup win is a big thing for all of us, and that's what the boys have been focusing on all week."

http://www.nrl.com/harris-aims-to-go-out-on-high/tabid/10874/newsid/75329/default.aspx
 
Wales v Cook Islands preview

By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
3:30pm Sun 10th November, 2013

Wales v Cook Islands

The Gnoll, Neath

Sunday, 2pm (UK time)
Monday, 1am (AEDT), 12am (AEST)

In many sports played across the globe, there's no shame in falling to the might of United States of America. But in rugby league, handing the Americans are saloon passage to the quarter-finals is a major disappointment for both these countries in this World Cup.

That's certainly the case for co-hosts Wales, who not only occupied fifth spot in the RLIF rankings at the start of the tournament but boast two exceptional front-rowers in Craig Kopzcak and Ben Flower.

A no-show in the second half of their 32-16 loss to Italy preceded an even more surprising 24-16 upset loss to the Yanks, a result that prompted frustrated coach Iestyn Harris to take aim at the Australian-flavoured make-up of the American team.

"There's a lot of Australian-based players in there that are of very good quality," he said post-game. "There wasn't one USA man in the whole squad."

The Tomahawks were quick to point out their 10 nationals and residents, but the debate, of course, was moot.

The Cook Islands, on the other hand, actually rank 18th in the world, behind the likes of Russia, Serbia, Canada and Lebanon – all of whom missed out on the World Cup. So one could argue that their presence alone has been an achievement.

But with a spread of NRL talent across the park, including improved Titans centre Brad Takairangi and Roosters firebrand Dylan Napa, there were realistic expectations of a quarter-final birth.

Instead, the Cooks join the Dragons as the two World Cup flops meeting in the only genuine dead rubber of the tournament. That in itself is a credit to the organisers, who have put together an entertaining for month of rugby league.

Watch Out Wales

Fullback Drury Low has only been sighted on a handful of occasions for both Canberra and Canterbury-Bankstown in the NRL, but has quietly enjoyed an impressive outing for his home nation.

While the tip sheet prioritises his speed, his ability to jump into the backline and create for his outside men is underestimated. At worst, he'll ask you plenty of questions in defence.

Watch Out Cook Islands

Welsh winger Rhys Williams made two line breaks, set up two tries for centre Christiaan Roets and ran a total of 169 metres in their loss to USA.

The Warrington Wolf only played nine games in the Super League this year, but has the ability to make a real impact on the game.

Key Match-Up

The two forward packs. For the Dragons, this clash marks the final game in red for veteran forwards Neil Budworth and Jordan James. James will end his international career equalling Ian Watson's 30 appearances for Wales.

In contrast, this World Cup has been quite the experience for young Roosters upstart Dylan Napa, who made a name for himself with a couple of big hits on Kangaroos forward Paul Gallen during the recent NRL finals series.

It will be an emotional farewell for a couple of Welsh stalwarts, but the Cook Islands certainly will be in the mood to ruin the party. Expect some fireworks.

Televised

7mate - Live from Monday 12:30am (NSW); Sunday 11:30pm (Qld)

The Way We See It

Emotion meets youthful exuberance in this one, and it's hard to say which one will last 80 minutes. In that case, you've just got to with the home team, who have plenty to prove to the critics. Wales by 14.


http://www.nrl.com/wales-v-cook-islands-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/75338/default.aspx
 
Last edited:
Wow, Cook Islands looking good early on !!

They score first through Daniel Fepuleai...

6-0 to The Cook Islands after 8 minutes...

- - - Updated - - -

Wales hit back after a Cook Islands mistake 20m out from their own line...

Christiaan Roets scores in the Corner...

Conversion is missed and it's 6-4 to The Cook Islands after 16 minutes..

- - - Updated - - -

Ex-Knight Keith Lulia scores for the Cook Islands...

After 31 minutes The Cook Islands lead 10-4 over Wales..

- - - Updated - - -

Isaac John scores the Cook Islands third try in the first half !!

Cook Islands are playing very well except for a couple of silly errors..

HALFTIME SCORE

COOK ISLANDS - 16
WALES - 4

- - - Updated - - -

Dominic Peyroux scores for the Cook Islands only 5 minutes into the second half...

Cook Islands now lead 22-4 !!

- - - Updated - - -

Wales hit back with a try to Lloyd White...

White converts his own try...

Cook Islands lead 22-10 with 28 minutes to go..

- - - Updated - - -

Wales go back to back !!

Christiaan Roets scores, Conversion missed...

Grandstand finish coming up here...

Cook Islands lead 22-14 with 18 minutes left..

- - - Updated - - -

Wales have all the momentum here...

Now they have forced a dropout and are coming home strong !!

- - - Updated - - -

WALES ARE IN AGAIN !!!

3 Tries in 20 minutes have them right back in this game...

Rhodri Lloyd gets the Try and it is converted from the sideline !!

Cook Islands lead 22-20 with 11 minutes to play...

- - - Updated - - -

Cook Islands score late and this could be game over...

Johnathon Ford plants the ball down under the posts...

Try is converted and Cook Islands lead 28-20 with only 6 minutes to play...

- - - Updated - - -

WOW, THIS GAME IS NOT OVER !!

Wales score an 80m try...

Christiaan Roets gets a hatrick...

Conversion missed...

Cook Islands lead 28-24 with 3 minutes left...

What a great contest this has been !!

- - - Updated - - -

FULLTIME

COOK ISLANDS - 28

DEFEATED

WALES - 24

That's the Cook Islands first ever win at a World Cup and hands Wales the Group C Wooden Spoon...

Not the prettiest game but a fantastic contest between 2 teams with nothing to lose...

They gave it everything these 2 teams...Well Done :)
 
Great to see them get their first World Cup win. Shame they couldn't take out the USA and make the quarters though.

Wales - extremely poor this World Cup.

This pool has clearly been set up with the intention of getting Wales into the quarters, but it's ended up a bit of a joke. Every side in pool c deserves a spot over these three.
 
Yep, before the tournament started I thought Wales would smash USA and Cook Islands but Wales have been average to say the least....
 
Wales suffer 28-24 loss to Cook Islands

By Andrew Baldock
AAP
4:05am Mon 11th November, 2013

Wales' poor World Cup campaign has ended with a third successive defeat - but not before they went down fighting in Neath.

With a final score of 28-24, the Cook Islands ultimately posted their first World Cup victory at the sixth attempt, yet they had to hang on despite building a 22-4 lead just after half-time.

Centre Keith Lulia ran the show for his team, scoring a first-half try, while Isaac John, Daniel Fepuleai, Dominique Peyroux and Jonathon Ford also touched down, with Chris Taripo kicking four goals.

Wales, though, threatened a second-half revival when Lloyd White, Christiaan Roets (two) and Rhodri Lloyd claimed tries following Rob Massam's first-half score, while White and Danny Jones landed one goal apiece, but it proved too little too late.

Wales had exited the tournament with indecent haste, failing to recover from their Millennium Stadium defeat against Italy a fortnight ago before being beaten by the United States in Wrexham and conceding 56 points across both games.

They had plenty of incentive to bow out on a high, though, with Jordan James equalling the Wales cap record of 30 appearances before retiring from the international game, while prop Neil Budworth also bade Wales colours farewell.

The Cook Islands dominated early territory, and they deservedly went ahead after eight minutes when hooker Fepuleai powered over from close range.

Taripo added the extras, and Wales could have few complaints, but they stirred into life six minutes later as full-back Elliot Kear made a telling entry into the line, found Rhys Evans in support and Massam finished off.

It was a strong response by the home team, which knocked the Cook Islands out of their initial rhythm, but Lulia had developed into the game's dominant figure.

His initial break nine minutes before half-time caused panic stations in the Wales defence, and he crossed unopposed.

In contrast to Wales, who lacked composure in the final third, the Cook Islands proved emphatic finishers, and John skipped his way across for try number three.

Taripo's third goal from four attempts left Wales trailing 22-4 and seemingly facing a damage-limitation exercise for the remainder of a game.

But the hosts had other ideas, and fought back through tries during an impressive eight-minute spell for White and Roets that breathed life into a contest the Cook Islands appeared to have control of.

An exciting finish was cranked up another notch when Lloyd scored 14 minutes from time, but the Cook Islands responded with Ford's well-worked try that finally closed off any comeback route.



http://www.nrl.com/wales-suffer-28-24-loss-to-cook-islands/tabid/10874/newsid/75342/default.aspx

- - - Updated - - -

Wales v Cook Islands player ratings

By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
7:02am Mon 11th November, 2013

Every player rated from the Cook Islands' 28-24 win over Wales.


WALES


1. Elliot Kear: The question is begging to be asked: why wasn't Kear playing fullback in their first two games? A Man of the Match performance from the Bradford Bull with the dancing feet, looking dangerous with every touch of the ball.

Finished with 113 metres, a try assist, two line break assists, five tackle busts and four offloads.

Did everything but win the game for Wales. 8.5

2. Christiaan Roets: Bagged his second straight double, again raising the question why he wasn't in the line-up for the first game against Italy. 7.5

3. Rhodri Lloyd: Took full advantage of some great backline play, scoring a try and setting his winger up for another. Almost 100 metres gained, three tackle breaks and two line breaks. 7

4. Rhys Evans: Had two strong games at fullback but was quieter in the centres, running the ball just six times. 5.5

5. Rob Massam: Finished off a brilliant team try in the first half, but was also responsible for a horrible error that resulted in try not long after. 6

6. Danny Jones: Overshadowed by Lupton's strong performance, failed to find touch once, and missed three of four conversions. Also missed four tackles. 3.5

7. Peter Lupton: Made over 300 metres with his kicks, and his two-man cut out pass for one of Roet's tries was sublime. 6.5

8. Ben Flower: Easily one of Wales' best players all tournament, finishing the World Cup with averages of 111 metres and 35 tackles. 8

9. Neil Budworth: His re-introduction in the second half coincided with a turn in momentum for the home side. Got his team on the front foot with good decision-making in his farewell match. 7

10. Jordan James: Doubled the output of his first two games with a breakout 100 metre performance, but did commit two errors. 6.5

11. Ross Divorty: Made a handful of decent runs, but was otherwise quiet. 5.5

12. Tyson Frizell: The lone NRL player was well-contained by the Cook Islands defence, limiting the Dragons forward to his most ineffective performance of the tournament. 5.5

13. Larne Patrick: Ran the ball just twice, but made 26 tackles. 6

14. Lloyd White: After two games at five-eighth, White suffered a horror first half before atoning with a try in the second. 5.5

15. Craig Kopzcak: Powerhouse performance from Huddersfield Giant, playing the final hour of the game and running 127 metres and offloading three times. 7

16. Gil Dudson: Threw his weight around with some big carries and huge hits, but tired late. 6

17. Anthony Walker: Saw little action, running just four times and making 13 tackles. 5


COOK ISLANDS


1. Lulia Lulia: Played one game on the wing, the next in the centres before finally getting one at fullback, but it was his quietest of the three. 6

2. Chris Taripo: Didn't see much action out wide, so went in-field for work. Made 14 carries for 86 metres, most of them in his own half. Kicked four from five. 6.5

3. Brad Takairangi: Made 130 metres against the Tonga, but could only manage 62 metres in this one. Strong in defence though. 6

4. Keith Lulia: Scored an opportunistic try, and made plenty of in-roads with each carry, breaking four tackles and breaching the line twice. A wily pick-up for the Wests Tigers. 7.5

5. Rea Pittman: The ball never found him and he didn't really find the ball. 5.5

6. Johnathon Ford: He's no Johnathan Thurston, but the Newtown representative improved as the match wore on. Scored a try off his own towering bomb. 7

7. Isaac John: Looked dangerous each time he ran the ball, and came up with a crucial tackle on the dangerous Elliot Kear in the closing stages. 7

8. Dylan Napa: Arguably his team's best on field, making a number of inspirational charges and big hits. Also showed good awareness to chase a bomb, pick up the scraps and set up a try. Made 144 metres but also penalised twice. 8.5

9. Daniel Fepuleai: Good service out of dummy half, and strong in defence. Solid performance. 7

10. Zeb Taia: Typical captain's knock and made important plays when his team needed them, including a surprisingly impressive kick to the corner in the first half. 7.5

11. Tupou Sopoaga: Made a handful of decent runs, totalling 64 metres. 6

12. Dominique Peyroux: Strong in defence, and scored a good try early in the second half. 6.5

13. Tinirau Arona: Another powerhouse performance from the hardworking lock, leading the team with 33 tackles. 7

14. Sam Brunton: Introduced midway through second half but didn't make much of an impact. 4

15. Anthony Gelling: Had a bad start to the game but redeemed himself with a strong second half, ending up with 115 metres, four tackle busts and two line breaks. Showed good footwork at the line. 7

16. Joseph Matapuku: Played sparingly, and contributed as much. 4.5

17. Adam Tangata: Ran the ball with gusto, and was a handful with his few carries. 5.5


http://www.nrl.com/wales-v-cook-islands-player-ratings/tabid/10874/newsid/75345/default.aspx


- - - Updated - - -

By the clock: Wales v Cook Islands

By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
7:08am Mon 11th November, 2013

All the big moments from the Cook Islands' 28-24 win over Wales.

Zero: The Welsh belt out their national anthem for the third time in front of their home fans, before a minute's silence is held for Remembrance Day.

9th minute: After absorbing plenty of goal line pressure, the Welsh concede an easy try to hooker Daniel Fepuleai, who feigns right and burrows over from dummy half. Chris Taripo converts and the Cooks take an early 6-0 lead.

16th minute: Fantastic response from Wales. Their first foray into the opposition half and flying winger Rob Massam finishes off a slick left side movement. Who knew that big kick from prop Jordan James would pay dividends? Danny Jones sends the conversion wide, and it's now 6-4.

23rd minute: Scary moment there for the Cook Islands. An attempted 40/20 by Jones sees Taripo dive over the sideline to bat it back in, only to watch Welsh winger Christiaan Roets be first to the ball. Bizarrely, it's a scrum to Wales.

26th minute: Wales keeps pouring on the pressure. Halfback Peter Lupton runs the ball to the line and puts second-rower Ross Divorty into space but the pass is ruled forward. Divorty would've strolled under the posts there.

30th minute: The Cooks take a leaf out of the Welsh attacking book, centre Keith Lulia taking advantage of a quick play-the-ball by Chris Taripo to dive over from dummy half. The former Bradford Bull started the set with a slicing 30 metres run. Taripo misses this time, and it's now 10-4.

39th minute: The big Welsh bench forwards assert their authority, but the Cooks' lightweight halfback Isaac John steps off his left, then his right, and finds space between boppers Craig Kopzcak and Gil Dudson on the line. Taripo nails this one, and the halftime siren ends not long after he converts for a handy 16-4 lead.

46th minute: Another poor start to the half from Wales sees Cook Islands second-rower Dominique Peyroux step three defenders and crash over. Taripo pots it over, and you hope Wales aren't totally dismayed by the 22-4 deficit.

50th minute: Welsh centre Rhys Evans surges towards the tryline, but is stopped in his tracks by a shoulder charge from Dylan Napa. Referee Richard Silverwood doesn't like that, and lets Napa know.

51st minute: Well this certainly isn't a good exhibition of goal line defence. Welsh utility Lloyd White fools everyone with a dummy to his left and goes over. He converts his own try to reduce the Cooks' lead to 22-10. Is this the start of a comeback?

60th minute: It sure is! Momentum is well and truly with the home side now, a pinpoint, two-man cutout from Lupton sees Roets cross in the right corner. At 22-14, it's an important kick for Jones here, but he hits the near post.

66th minute: Roets almost over again! Wales look very dangerous in long shifts, but desperate defence by the visitors stops Roets inches before the line. Wales force a line drop out.

67th minute: And it's game on now! Another perfectly executed movement ends in centre Rhodri Lloyd over the line on the right side. The combination between Lupton, Jones and fullback Elliot Kear is like a well-oiled machine. Jones learns his lesson from the last kick, hitting the far upright and bouncing in. 22-20.

73rd minute: Is that a try to Johnathan Ford? The video ref gets called in here to see if Massam was tackled in mid-air by Cooks winger Rea Pittman as he spills a Ford bomb that is picked up by Napa and handed off to Ford to score. It's ruled a fair challenge and Taripo's conversion just might've opened up a game-winning28-20 lead.

76th minute: Hold the phone! From inside their own half, Wales shift right and Kear uses his speed to put Lloyd into space where he shows good composure to draw the fullback and put Roets over for his second. Jones misses, but who cares? It's 28-24. Four minutes to go and a four point difference. Grandstand finish!

80th minute: Oh no! Two try hero Roet fumbles the ball with their final opportunity, and the siren sounds not long after. That's game, ladies and gentleman. The Cooks get their first ever World Cup victory, and the co-hosts finish with the wooden spoon.


http://www.nrl.com/by-the-clock-wales-v-cook-islands/tabid/10874/newsid/75346/default.aspx
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top