Kiwis vs Lebanon

New Zealand made a winning start to their 2021 Rugby League World Cup campaign with a healthy - if not always easy - 34-12 victory over a stubborn Lebanon ...

60 mins to KO: In Michael Maguire, they have a veteran coach who knows the ropes. 50 mins to KO: In the opposite corner though, they come up against a side not exactly known for rich rugby league history - but determined to spring a surprise once again. The loose ball is deemed to have been ripped forward by New Zealand, and Mansour's pounce upon it is a legal finish! That's unsuccessful and they lose it for the rest of the match - though they earn possession back swiftly off a handling error and then a penalty. It is the Kiwis on top in their Group C opener - but they've been tested by a Lebanon side who are refusing to go quietly into the night. The pressure tells - and it is brute force that puts the Kiwis in front for the first time in Warrington! In a flash, the Kiwis look to have put this one to bed. 66 mins: It's taken the best part of this match, but the New Zealand side that shredded Leeds Rhinos in a warm-up look to have shown up now. Former Lebanon man Robbie Farah - part of the coaching staff, running instructions on - also appeared to get a stern word from the official. The Kiwis take prompt advantage of the extra body to add a sixth try of the night - and push this towards undeserved rout territory. 75 mins: As New Zealand look for a final score in this match to put a little more gloss on this scoreline, what happens to Lebanon's Doueihi? It is unsuccessful - but then New Zealand give away a penalty in possession for obstruction.