England into World Cup semi-finals after scare from Ireland: Leeds Rhinos duo help turn tide in tough win
England were given a scare before maintaining their 100 per cent record at the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup with a 68-32 victory over Ireland today (Friday).
Ireland stunned the defending champions in Wollongong by racing into a 14-0 lead and were 20-4 ahead after 23 minutes, but the introduction of Leeds Rhinos’ Nathan Collins - along with Joe Coyd of London Roosters - swung the game England’s way. The holders hit back to lead 22-20 at half-time and dominated the second period.
Coach Tom Coyd opted to begin with Collins on the bench, but brought both him and Coyd on after Ireland had scored two unanswered tries through Peter Johnston - who also kicked three goals - and Toby Burton-Carter.
Lewis King got England on the board moments later, but a touchdown and conversion from Oran Spain opened a 16-point gap. That was as good as it got for Ireland and Coyd, King and Rob Hawkins all crossed before the interval.
With Leeds’ Tristan Nolfolk showing his strength through the middle, the second period was largely one-way traffic as Coyd scored three more tries, Hawkins and Mason Billington both added a couple and Jack Brown also touched down. Collins kicked nine goals from 11 attempts and Finlay O’Neill landed one.
Ireland grabbed two of the final three tries, with Joe Calcott and Jack Mangan crossing and Johnston improving both. England topped their group and will play either France or Australia in a semi-final on Tuesday.