Rugby League World Cup 2013 Final: Predicting the 2 Tournament Finalists

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup is rapidly coming to an end.

With just three games to go, two of which are sure to be fiercely competitive semifinal fixtures, it's time to predict who will be competing for glory at Old Trafford on Nov. 30.

Can England upset the odds and delight the home fans with a spot in the final? Will Fiji triumph over an Australia side that beat them 34-2 earlier in the competition? Let's take a look at how Nov. 23's clashes are sure to pan out.

Semi-final Predictions

New Zealand vs. England

Group B	New Zealand 42-24 Samoa
Group B	New Zealand 40-0 France
Group B	New Zealand 56-10 Papua New Guinea
Quarterfinal	New Zealand 40-4 Scotland
Average Score:	New Zealand 45-10 Opponent

It would take a foolish man to bet against New Zealand in this one. While England have recovered well from their opening-day defeat against Australia, there has been no evidence to suggest Steve McNamara's men can halt the tournament's most prolific attack.

The English coach has invited pressure on his team with the decision to drop Rangi Chase.

As reported by Ash Howes of The Telegraph, McNamara is likely to live or die by his decision to replace the half-back—who hasn't performed particularly well during the tournament—with Gareth Widdop of Melbourne Storm.

New Zealand must be buoyed by the change and will look to penetrate a defence that hasn't been in complete tandem throughout the competition.

Fiji will have been pleased with the 12 they scored against the co-hosts, but with the Kiwis currently averaging a score of 45 across each match, England's gameplan needs to build upon an improved defensive performance.

McNamara's side will be boosted by the absence of Manu Vatuvei. The winger has been ruled out of the clash with a groin injury and will have no chance of repeating the four tries he scored during a group game against England in 2008, per Sky Sports.

Group A	Australia 28-20 England
Group A	England 42-0 Ireland
Group A	England 34-12 Fiji
Quarterfinal	England 34-6 France
Average Score:	England 33-12 Opponent

Even so, with the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Bryson Goodwin in the New Zealand side, England's performance will have to be historic to knock the current holders out of the competition.

Prediction: New Zealand 32-16 England

Australia vs. Fiji

Group A	Australia 28-20 England
Group A	Australia 34-2 Fiji
Group A	Australia 50-0 Ireland
Quarterfinal	Australia 62-0 USA
Average Score:	Australia 44-6 Opponent

If it's foolish to bet against New Zealand, it's downright lunacy to suggest Australia won't move beyond Fiji for a place in the final.

The Aussies have already thrashed their upcoming opponents this competition and will be looking to tackle their old Kiwi foes in the final, as they have done for the last two tournaments.

Although the gap between Australia and many of the World Cup nations is steep, Tim Sheens' side have already proven they can comfortably beat quality during this year's tournament.

The defeat of England in the opening round provided the side with a decent gauge of their effectiveness, but since then, Australia have barely been tested.

Group A	Fiji 32-14 Ireland
Group A	Australia 34-2 Fiji
Group A	England 34-12 Fiji
Quarterfinal	Samoa 4-22 Fiji
Average Score	Fiji 17-22 Opponent

Fiji's route to the semi-final has actually seen them rack up a negative average score and highlights the inconsistency within the team. Although they possess enough guile and ambition to attack strong nations, the defensive output is weak and liable to crumble in matches with the best.

There's only so much Akuila Uate can do on his own, as we'll see in the Wembley Stadium tie.

Prediction: Australia 42-8 Fiji