“I don’t think it means much” – James Tedesco dismisses the world rankings as he claims Australia are “the best”

Yesterday New Zealand scrapped to victory against Fiji to secure their place in the last four of the Rugby League World Cup.

It was very nearly a repeat of their shock defeat in 2017 at the same stage against the same opposition as they trailed 18-6.

However, they battled back to win 24-18 as Jordan Rapana shone. That said, they certainly didn’t follow the suit of Australia and England who made statements with huge wins over Lebanon and Papua New Guinea.

The Kiwis went into the tournaments as the world number one ranked side in the tournament but didn’t quite look like that last night.

As they prepare for a blockbuster semi-final at Elland Road against Australia next week, the Australian skipper James Tedesco has stated that he and his team believe we they are the best.

Talking to the Sydney Morning Herald, he said: “I don’t think it really means much at this time. We see ourselves as the best so we’re going to play like that. We have that expectation when you put an Australian jersey on that we are going to win. We have that confidence. I don’t think the rankings really mean much to us. We want to win the World Cup.”

His opposite number in that semi-final clash will be Sydney Roosters teammate Joey Many who also dismissed the rankings but said he believed in his team: “I’m not worried about rankings or who is a better team. I believe in this team we have got here.”