England qualified in style from the group stages but now we’re into the real stuff. They face Papua New Guinea in Wigan on Saturday afternoon and we have a full preview and best bets for you.
England vs Papua New Guinea Tips
England racked up a massive 196 points in their three group games and questions have been asked across the rugby world as to the validity of the group stages. We have seen mismatch after mismatch and just what exactly are the likes of Jamaica getting out of another 80+ points mauling?
That isn’t Shaun Wane and the England boys fault though and they’ve been hugely impressive in the group stages. They face a jump in levels against Papua New Guinea at the DW though but are still huge 1/25 favourites to progress to the semi-finals.
Veteran winger Ryan Hall has been omitted from the 24 man squad along with Forwards Andy Ackers, Joe Batchelor, Mikolaj Oledzki and Luke Thompson, with Wane instead opting for the youth and explosiveness of eight-try hero Dom Young.
Tommy Makinson will switch to the other wing and captain Sam Tomkins will resume at full back after being rested for the 94-4 win over Greece. Jack Welsby should also line up alongside George Williams in the half-backs.
The Kumuls beat England 28-10 the last time these two teams played and there has already been talk of revenge. Papua New Guinea had good wins over Wales and The Cook Islands, but fell just short against Tonga.
England 3-way handicap -24 – Evens
England have looked really classy in this tournament and whilst Papua New Guinea are no mugs, Wane’s men should have enough to cover the spread here. England won by 54 against Samoa, 24 against Fiji and 90 against Greece.
Tom Burgess anytime try scorer – 9/2
One of the famous four Burgess Brothers, Tom Burgess has played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs since 2013 and won the NRL Grand Final a year later alongside his brothers, Sam and twin George.
The bustling Prop has been superb in this tournament thus far, scoring a try in the opener against Samoa and two more against Greece. The 9/2 on offer looks good value for him to get over against the Kumuls.
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