Rugby League World Cup 2013: Breaking Down the Semifinal Fixtures

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup has reached the semifinal stage, with the three pre-tournament favourites—New Zealand, Australia and England—joined by Fiji in the final four.

After four highly one-sided quarterfinals, in a tournament that has seen large gulfs in class between many teams, the hope must be that the semifinal stage will at least provide two enthralling and competitive games of rugby.

With both games taking place on Saturday afternoon, fans will be treated to nearly five hours of elite rugby league action live from Wembley with places in the following week's final at stake.

England vs. New Zealand (Saturday, 1 p.m. GMT)

Hosts England face favourites New Zealand in the first semifinal at Saturday lunchtime knowing the odds are stacked against them in the eyes of most neutrals, with the Kiwis having scored over 40 points in every match thus far.

England have come through in decent fashion themselves, following an opening-game defeat to Australia, but they have not shown anything out of the ordinary yet.

Speaking to Sky Sports, coach Steve McNamara talked up England's aspirations but conceded his side are not well fancied to claim success over the coming fortnight:

"

Not just reaching the final, but winning the final is the goal. To do that we obviously have to get past a very good New Zealand team this week.

We are third-favourites in this tournament. New Zealand are favourites for this game, but we think we've got the ammunition, personnel and plan to beat New Zealand.

"

For the hosts to claim victory at the competition, they will have to halt the charge of New Zealand's star-studded three-quarter line who have helped the team rack up 186 points in just four fixtures.

Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored two tries in the quarterfinal victory over Scotland, while his partner-in-crime Manu Vatuvei was sensational, crossing the line once himself.

Captain Kevin Sinfield was critical of England's performance in victory over France and stressed the importance of playing at peak intensity for 80 minutes against New Zealand, per Sky Sports.

Sinfield himself was excellent in the quarterfinal but will need his teammates to perform likewise if England are to stand a chance of producing the kind of attacking performance England will need to break through the highly organised New Zealand defensive line.

England are set to challenge Sam Burgess with keeping Sonny Bill Williams quiet, reports Stuff.co.nz, but the Rugby Union World Cup winner will not be an easy man to restrain, and the personal battle between the two star names could hold the keys to a place in the final.

Australia vs. Fiji (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. GMT)

In the second semifinal, heavily backed Australia take on Pacific Islanders Fiji in an attempt to continue their outstanding record of having appeared in every World Cup final since 1957.

New Zealand ended a run of six consecutive Australian tournament wins last time out in 2008, but the Kangaroos have been highly impressive in reaching this stage—including beating Fiji 34-2 in the Group Stage.

The two sides also met in the semifinal in 2008, with Australia emerging 54-0 victors on that occasion. The hope must be that the game is more competitive on this occasion.

Australia's plans have been disrupted by the absence of forward Billy Slater, with the Sydney Morning Herald's Brad Walter suggesting that a centre could play in the pack instead, in what would be a shock move.

The Bati may find solace in Australia's injury woes and, in the likes of winger Aquila Uate, have some highly physical backs who could cause damage if given time on the ball.

To combat his threat, though, Walter reports that another centre, Michael Jennings, could well be used outside Jarryd Hayne. Jennings has some past experience in the position, albeit far from extensive.

The game is notable as perhaps the last of veteran Fiji prop Petero Civoniceva's career, and he will be facing many familiar faces from his long club career in Australia, per ABC Online.

The Kangaroos, though, will be willing to show little mercy to their battle-hardened opponent, with another final berth at stake on Saturday.