Rugby League World Cup: Group B Preview

Australia are favourites to defend their Rugby League World Cup title. They have won eight of the last nine editions. Their last defeat was to New Zealand in 2008. The Kangaroos begin their latest defence on Saturday night against Fiji.

The Rugby League World Cup is taking place in England. Australia won the last World Championship in 2017. Mal Meninga has called up 13 players to his squad for the tournament.

Fiji lost 54-6 to Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final. Fiji have been beaten by Australia three times in a row. Jo Rabele's team will play the Kangaroos first up on Saturday. Kevin Naiqama, Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau and Sunia Turuva are expected to play for Fiji.

Scotland are in Rugby League World Cup Group B. They were quarter-finalists in 2013 and came within 15 minutes of beating Samoa to the quarter finals five years ago. This time they have to beat Australia and Fiji first.

The Azzurri won the World Rugby Championship in 2013 and 2017. Leo Epifania's team is less experienced than their predecessors. They are expected to struggle this time around.