World Cup seems to be passing us by (From Lancashire Telegraph)

World Cup seems to be passing us by

8:29pm Wednesday 29th October 2008 in

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THERE will be a World Cup clash between Australia and England this weekend - but it has barely earned a mention.

The old rivals do battle in the Rugby League World Cup currently being held Down Under.

But for all the attention and interest it has attracted over here, you could be forgiven if you didn't realise it was even being held.

I like the Super League and love the British Lions' matches, but I think this tournament is a strain for even the most die-hard Rugby League fan.

I think the problem is that the competition, seen as a northern game in this country anyway, has had to dilute the British countries to such an extent that it makes them uncompetitive.

The Lions have a hard enough job defeating the Kanagaroos - so what chance Wales, Scotland and Ireland?

The English will have more than a mountain to climb on Sunday after struggling to see off Papua New Guinea.

The Aussies, meanwhile, coasted past the only other credible side New Zealand in their group opener.

It will always be a shoot-out between the Aussies, English and Kiwis, with the rest just being there for the experience.

To give you an idea of their dominance, the Aussies have won the last five competitions with the Great Britain team winning it back in 1972.

I guess we'll have to hope for a miracle to stop them making it six.