Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson celebrates after scoring against Samoa. Photo / Photosport.
Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson celebrates after scoring against Samoa. Photo / Photosport.
Into the third and final week of the Rugby League World Cup pool stages, the big name sides are already assured of advancing through to the quarter-finals.
However, some of the top tier sides need to win to ensure an easier path while a couple of the minnow teams are on the verge of breaking through to the knock-out stages for the first time.
We take a look at all of the permutations from the final round of pool fixtures and ahead to the business end of the tournament.
Fiji should be too strong for Italy but even a narrow defeat would be enough for them to progress to a quarter-final against the loser of New Zealand and Tonga (the second-ranked side in Pool B).
Italy's hopes look dashed unless they can pile on at least 45 points against Fiji.
Former Kiwis forward Jason Taumalolo carts it up for Tonga. Photo / Getty Images.
Both sides are assured of quarter-final spots however Saturday's match still has a lot at stake. The winner will finish top of Pool B and likely face Lebanon next week, while staying on the opposite side of the draw to Australia.
The loser will be confronted with a more difficult assignment against Fiji (the top side from Pool D), with a semi-final against the Kangaroos looming.
No matter where they finish, the Kiwis will play their quarter-final in Wellington while Tonga are booked to play in Christchurch.
Samoa v Scotland at Barlow Park, Cairns, 7.15pm
Samoa look all but assured of posting their first win against a shambolic Scotland side, which would see them advance to an unenviable quarter-final against Australia.
The Bravehearts campaign is all but over after back-to-back thrashings at the hands of Tonga and New Zealand - would take a miracle for them to upset Samoa.
Australia v Lebanon at Sydney Football Stadium, 10pm
Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith looks for support. Photo / Getty Images.
Australia have already booked passage to the quarter-finals and are almost certain to finish top of Pool A, which will see them play the winner of Friday's clash between Samoa and Scotland (the third-ranked side from Pool B) in Darwin.
Lebanon also appear assured of making the quarter-finals for the first time, with their week one win over France likely seeing them finish third in Pool A, pitting them against the winner of New Zealand v Tonga (the top side in Pool B).
USA v Papua New Guinea at Oil Search National Football Stadium, 6pm
USA have struggled so far and face an uphill battle against Papua New Guinea in front-of what's expected to be a sell-out crowd - win or lose their tournament will come to an end.
Papua New Guinea should be too strong and have all but secured top spot in Pool C and appear en route to a quarter-final against England (the runner up in Pool A).
Ireland v Wales at Perth Rectangular Stadium, 8.30pm
Ireland look to have the edge over Wales but would need to post a big win to give them any hope of usurping Papua New Guinea to finish top of Pool C.
Will be hard-pressed to overcome Ireland but even a win won't be enough to prolong their campaign
France v England at Perth Rectangular Stadium, 11pm
France's chances of making the knock-out stages took a dive after their first-up loss to Lebanon - only a huge upset win over England could revive their quarter-final hopes.
England have been unconvincing over the opening fortnight, losing to Australia before outclassing Lebanon, but only need to account for France to finish second in Pool A and book a quarter-final match-up against Papua New Guinea (the top side of Pool C).
Likely quarter-finals
*Top three teams from Pool A and Pool B advance, and top sides from Pool C and Pool D
