Rugby League World Cup predictions & betting tips: Irish on course for knockouts

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Sunday's World Cup matches.

Where to watch

Lebanon v Ireland
BBC2, 2.30pm Sunday

Samoa v Greece
BBCi, 5.30pm Sunday

Best bets

Ireland -4
1pt Evs bet365, Betfred

Match preview

Ireland head coach Ged Corcoran will hope to use his experiences as a player as his side try to book their place in the knockout stages of the Rugby League World Cup at the expense of Lebanon.

Corcoran was part of the Ireland squad that secured a 16-16 draw against Lebanon at the 2007 World Cup to book their place in the knockout stages. That game in Dewsbury was a brutal encounter, and Lebanon will be eager to set the record straight at the Leigh Sports Village.

After Ireland beat Jamaica 48-2 in their opening game, they can advance to the knockout rounds if they overcome the Cedars and New Zealand beat the Reggae Warriors.

Lebanon's 34-12 defeat to New Zealand showed they will be a tough nut to crack against the Wolfhounds, but the creativity in Ireland's halves ought to be the difference in the end. Luke Keary is one of the stars in the NRL, while Richie Myler is coming off another huge campaign for the Leeds Rhinos.

In Pool A, Samoa will take on Greece eight days after they were embarrassed by England at St James' Park. Samoa lost 60-6 in Newcastle and also lost three of their starters, but that
will not affect their chances of beating debutants Greece.

Samoa are so short in the market that it is worth considering the total points market as Toa Samoa chase a big score to get their World Cup plans back on track.

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