Rugby League World Cup 2013: Factors Likely to Influence Semi-Final Fixtures

In the penultimate phase of this year's Rugby League World Cup, Wembley plays host to the four remaining participants this weekend, after which only the two worthiest nations will remain.

Title holders New Zealand will face off against the sole remaining co-hosts England, while Australia face Fiji, both encounters being a repeat of the semis seen in the 2008 edition of the tournament.

With only the sport's finest powers left in the running, read on to find out what promises to have the biggest influence on just which two giants we see at Old Trafford in a week's time. 

Wembley's Home Touch

With Ireland, France and Wales all bowing out earlier in the competition, Steve McNamara's side are the sole team left flying the Northern Hemisphere's flag and so have a weight of expectation on their shoulders.

England have already been beaten by Australia in the opening fixture of their World Cup campaign but have since recovered to claim wins over Ireland, Fiji and France, in that order.

Saturday's Wembley opener does, however, pit the hosts against New Zealand, so far the most threatening attack in the entire tournament, scoring an incredible average of 46.5 points per game thus far.

With that being the challenge ahead, one can rest assured that the English contingent supporting in the nation's capital this weekend will need to get behind their team and could have a big impact on the outcome.

Australia's Pedigree

Dating back to 1957, Australia have been the one constant staple of every Rugby League World Cup final and 2013 would be their 13th in succession if they were to make it past Fiji on Saturday.

Plain and simple, Tim Sheens' side know how to win when it comes down to crunch time, having been in this position more than any other team.

In the grand scheme of things, the Bati are still league minnows compared to the NRL elite that floods the Kangaroos' squad and are likely to be overcome by experience alone, never mind the incredible talent that Australia possess.

New Zealand's Attacking Prowess

As aforementioned, the Kiwis have been an offensive nightmare for opposing teams in this year's tournament, with nobody able to stand up to the New Zealand threat of late.

The North Queensland Cowboys' official Twitter account showed just how effective two players in particular were against Scotland:

While the nation's 2008 Rugby League World Cup triumph was a shock at the time, the Southern Hemisphere giants are arguably a better outfit now than they were then and are garnering more respect by the match.

With the likes of Vatuvei, Sonny Bill Williams, Simon Mannering, Shaun Johnson and a plethora of other fine NRL talents at Stephen Kearney's disposal, England have got a potentially devastating task on their hands.