Four Nations Underway As Italy Make World Cup | Thebigtip

The international season is in full swing with the Gillette Four Nations getting underway in the United Kingdom over the weekend.

Australia continued their recent domination of New Zealand with a 26-12 win in Warrington in a feisty affair which had Aussie coach Tim Sheens seething post match.

"It is the same trouble we had in Newcastle, it is a Test match we understand that, but I am still trying to work out why we were penalised around the scrum," Sheens said.
 
"We'll have to have an MRI on Shillington's knee, he has collapsed him from behind, the same kid did it in Newcastle, it is a hard tackle to outlaw, but it is a worry in the game."
 
England dismissed Wales with a thumping 42-4 win in Leigh with Wigan superstar Sam Tomkins scoring an impressive four tries.

The real test for England comes next week in a blockbuster showdown against Australia at Wembley.

A Scottish side missing a number of players were never in the hunt against France in Perpignan going down 46-10. Thomas Bosc was at his best for the French scoring a try and kicking seven goals. Melbourne Storm’s Dane Chisholm also scored a hat-trick.
 
Italy are the 14th and final country to qualify for the 2013 World Cup with a heart stopping 19-all draw with an unlucky Lebanese side in Belgrade.
 
Lebanon had fought back from 18-0 down, only to watch Ryan Ghietti land a field goal to level the scores at 19.
 
Italy qualified on a count back with Lebanon failing to score enough second half points a week earlier against Russia.
 
Azzurri head coach Carlo Napolitano was one of many almost in tears.
 
“My overwhelming feeling is one of joy and relief. When Lebanon slotted their drop goal over to lead I slumped into my chair, it was a surreal moment, I thought it was 1999 again when we lost to the Cedars in a World Cup qualifier.”

“I called for a short kick off and we managed to get the ball back and equalise, I can hardly believe it,” he added “We lost Ranieri and Ciraldo in the first half with shoulder and rib injuries and, full credit to Lebanon, they attacked us and knew we couldn’t get relief from bench.”

“In terms what the result means to rugby league in Italy, its hard gauge moment. I hope the public support us and numbers get down to the clubs in the country to grow the sport over the next important two years.”