Papua New Guinea boss with ominous assessment of Kumuls’ chances against England in quarter-final clash
October 18, 2022, London, England, United Kingdom: Stanley Tepend Head Coach of Papua New Guinea during the pre match interview with Jenna Brooks of sky sports ahead of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 match Tonga vs Papua New Guinea at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, United Kingdom, 18th October 2022. London United Kingdom - ZUMAn307 20221018_zsa_n307_138 Copyright: xCraigxThomas/NewsxImagesx
Last night Papua New Guinea secured their place in the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals as they beat Wales 36-0 in the rain.
This sets up a quarter-final clash with England on Saturday at Wigan Warriors’ DW Stadium.
So, the question is being asked, can PNG repeat their win over Great Britain in 2019 and take their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Their coach Stanley Tepend answered this question last night on BBC: “This squad is special hopefully we can win again next week.
“England are a really good team and it’ll be a good test. We’ll rest up and get ourselves right and get ready.”
When specifically asked if the Kumuls have the players to beat England, he said: “I think we do. I know the players will be up for the challenge and I know the players will do everything to win.”
Meanwhile, last night’s Man of the Match and two try hero Nixon Putt recalled on the memory of beating GB in 2019 when talking up his side’s chances come staurday.
He also said on BBC after the game: “Yeah we’re going to have to beat them. We beat them back home so we’re looking forward to that match.”
So, the Kumuls are certainly talking the talk, can they walk the walk. Judging by their performances including a game against Tonga – another of the favourites – which they should have perhaps won on the balance of the performances, they have the tools to beat Shaun Wane’s England.