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The Kiwis are among the favourites!
The Rugby League World Cup begins this weekend, as the best nations from across the globe flock to England to compete for glory.
New Zealand head to the Northern Hemisphere as one of the favourites to be declared victorious in this year’s final. The Kiwis are looking to pick up the trophy for the second time.
But when will Michael Maguire’s side be in action? Here is all of the key dates for New Zealand’s Rugby League World Cup campaign.
New Zealand has been placed in Group C for this year’s competition.
The Kiwis are the top-seeded nation in their group, which also contains Lebanon, Ireland and Jamaica.
The dates for their fixtures are as follows:
New Zealand are expected to cruise through Group C with ease, and in doing so, they would likely set up a route to the final that would include a semi-final date with tournament favourites Australia.
Finishing top of Group C would earn New Zealand a quarter-final clash with the runner-up of Group B, a group which contains Australia, Fiji, Italy and Scotland. It is expected that Fiji will secure second place behind Australia.
If New Zealand can navigate their way past Fiji, then they will advance to the semi-finals, where they will almost certainly face Australia for a place in the Rugby League World Cup final.
England, Tonga and Samoa are the favourites to progress from the alternate side of the draw, so expect a clash with any of those three at Old Trafford if the Kiwis can find a way past the Aussies.