Rugby League World Cup VI: Everything Thread

[Logria]

Ah, southern Logria. Rolling plains, lots of natural wildlife, a verdant paradise.

You will see none of this.

Rugby League in Logria is very much a northern sport, and as such most of the games will take place in the "Smoke Belt"; a never-ending string of industrial towns extending from Winsdean and Speake in the west to Shelcastle in the east.



The competition itself starts with seven groups of four; the top two in each group, and the two best third-place finishers, will all qualify for the knockout stages.

The draw is as follows:

GROUP A
Somewhereistonia
Lunassa
The Weegies
San Giorgio a Cremano

GROUP B
The Yorozuya
Iglesian Archipelago
Swartaz
Virabia

GROUP C
Peisandros
Iles Arctiques
The Fanboyists
Vedacia

GROUP D
Newmanistan
Taeshan
Kulverint
Desperado

GROUP E
Sorthern Northland
Euroslavia
Oberour Ar Moro
Shilohrod

GROUP F
West Zirconia
Lithatrius
Delaclava
Kalasparata

GROUP G
Logria
Jesselton
Shivat
Sarzonia

The winners and second placed teams in each group will qualify for round two, as will the two third-placed teams with the best records.

Schedule (full details here):
Sunday February 7: 1 v 4, 2 v 3
Monday February 8: 1 v 3, 2 v 4
Tuesday February 9: 1 v 2, 4 v 3

Thursday February 11: Second round
Friday February 12: Quarter-finals
Saturday February 13: Semi-finals
Sunday February 14: Third-place match, Final

[Kulverint]

The team manager came in.

"did we get the bid?"

"No, sorry guys, but we're gonna have to travel to Logria for this one."

"Well, then let's show them why we should have hosted this one, boss!"

"JA!"

[Delaclava]

Len Rogerre was in his office when Catherine Kingston came walking in.

"Sir," she started, "You need to finalize the travel forms for the Rugby League team."

"I thought I already did this?" Rogerre asked, reaching out for the forms and whipping out a pen.

"No, those were the official signup forms," Kingston replied. "We didn't know where we'd be going, but now that the team's headed to Logria, we need those forms done."

"Forms, forms, forms..." Rogerre muttered. As he signed, he asked Catherine, "I heard about your relationship with the national hockey coach, Ben Paktur."

"I thought that was confidential?" Catherine wondered.

"Yes, but DOC's HR can't keep their mouths shut, as everyone here knows." Rogerre rolled his eyes. "In any case, I'm pleased that you went through the proper processes to do that, and I'd like to congratulate you. You two seem great together."

Catherine blushed, and said, "Thanks."

Rogerre handed over the forms and she accepted them. "So," she asked, "what exactly is Rugby League?"

Rogerre, in a confused tone, could only reply, "Uhh..."

[Newmanistan]

Coach: Steve Crawley

Starting XIII
1. Mark Carreau- Fullback
2. Lenny Bruschini- Right Wing
3. Tony Donvito- Right Center
4. Kevin Salvi- Left Center
5. Todd Hunt- Left Wing
6. Michael Riccitelli- Stand-off
7. Marvin Kirkwood- Scrum-half
8. Eric Withers- Prop
9. Chris Goverski- Hooker
10. Brett Krupa- Prop
11. Stephen Dugreiner- Second Row
12. Vic Hammond- Second Row
13. Shane Jacobsen- Loose Forward

Bench:
14. Tim Hoffman- Fullback
15. Robert Tatko- Right Wing
16. Patrick Foley- Right Center
17. Bill Herzog- Left Center
18. Ricardo Velazquez- Left Wing
19. Matt Wood- Stand-off
20. Dale Pollicino- Scrum-half
21. Jeff Dayton- Prop
22. Paul Stern- Hooker
23. Andrew Aupperle- Prop
24. Jeremy Shadle- Second Row
25. Adam Francis- Second Row
26. Otto Olsen- Loose Forward

Choose My Goal/Try Scorers: Yes
Godmod Events: Yes
Injure My Players: Yes but only say they were hurt.
Put my players in Sin bin: Yes
Send my players off: Yes
Other: TG your idea for approval first.

[Newmanistan]

“Those Cyan Softies Don’t Like it!”

No, Newmanistan was not the nation in mind when Logria came up with their little anti-Krytenia slogan. And of course, Krytenia could have proven Logrians wrong by actually signing up for the sixth Rugby League World Cup, but that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been noticed by the Rockets contingent that is heading to Logria.

“Cyan softies, huh?” inquired captain Todd Hunt, “We’ll show them that cyan is anything but soft. I hope they didn’t think there would be no sky blue visitors to their country, because they are about to be very disappointed. We will wear our sky blue, or cyan, if you prefer, with pride and we will be anything but soft. We have historically been a tough, physical team, just ask that guy from Lurikastan a couple of World Cups ago.” Hunt says he realizes that Newmanistan was not the intended nation of the slogan, but it doesn’t matter, “Newmanistan bleeds sky blue. Therefore, when you put down the color the symbolizes our great Empire, we are going to take notice to it, and it will pump us up for sure. It doesn’t matter if it’s a shot at Krytenia and has nothing to do with us, as far as we are concerned.” After watching the Rockets struggle in the 5th World Cup in Sorthern Northland, after they had reached the semifinals in their debut appearance in Somewhereistonia, it is good that a fire has been lit under their shoes already. This team is ready to go, and with the experiences of two Cups, the team hopes to be a force in Logria.

The “Cyan Softies” slur has also been noticed by the general Newmanistanian public, and even though Emperor Michael IV dismissed it as not concerning the Empire, it as led to an increased interest in the tournament. Traditionally, rugby has only really been popular in the southwestern part of Newmanistan, and possibly going up as far north as Olympia, but even that’s debatable. However, now it seems like the entire Empire is getting interested in the tournament, and reportedly, many Newmanistanians are planning to go to Logria, almost in numbers that you would find in the more popular sports with the Empire, all in the name of showing some “Cyan Pride!”

[Sorthern Northland]

Sorthern Northland National Rugby League Team

*Number, position, name, age, club

Starting 13

1. Full back: Garrity Mitchell, 30, St. Brendan Rugby
2. Right wing: Adhamh Ó Duggan, 31, Weybridge Rovers
3. Right centre: Balaji Hiten, 28, Beningrad Rovers
4. Left centre: Felipe Kirkpatrick, 25, Weybridge Rovers
5. Left wing: Oliver Doherty, 22, Ooshill
6. Stand-off: León Jiménez, 24, Floriana
7. Scrum-half: Eadbhárd Ó Maolomhnaigh, 23, St. Brendan Rugby
8. Prop: Charílaos Papacharalampoys, 32, Oosehill
9. Hooker: Alejandro Núñez (captain), 35, Floriana
10. Prop: Charlie McNally, 33, St. Brendan Rugby
11. Second row: Jelle Buijs, 31, Fortuna Nieuw-Amsterdam
12. Second row: Benjamin Desrosiers, 32, Porthdun
13. Loose forward: Amaury Déziel, 30, Osle

Interchanges (any four from)

14: Full back: Erlantz Oñate, 22, Beningrad Rovers
15: Winger: Wolfgang Wiedergott, 20, Dynamo Rhuritania
16: Winger: Larkin-Taylor Smith, 19, Gratnesborugh RLFC
17: Centre: Donald Jackson, 23, Snowspire Trinity
18: Centre: Nguyễn Văn Binh, 21, Osle
19: Stand-off: Klaas-Jelle van der Straaten, 22, Fortuna Nieuw-Amsterdam
20: Scrum-half: Geoffrey McNamara, 34, St. Brendan Rugby
21: Prop: Barry Powers, 29, Heathfield
22: Prop: Martin Métisse, 25, Oosehill
23: Hooker: Marc Bombardier-Labombarde, 26, Club de Rugby Septentrionien de Finistère
24: Second row: Tomaltach Mac Iomháir, 25, St. Brendan Rugby
25: Second row: Frīdrihs Lācis, 23, Sobrinic
26: Loose forward: Alec Ashbury, 24, Huntshire

Manager: Cathal Ó Dubhshláine

Choose My Try/Goal Scorers: Y
Godmod Events: Y
Injure My Players: Y
Put my players in Sin bin: Y
Send my players off: Y
Other: Pretty much anything goes. Apart from killing/maiming players.

Kits

[Kulverint]

1. Réania N@na - Fullback
2. £@na Viana - Right Wing
3. €ra Mak@na - Right Center
4. Johann Nilovia - Left Center
5. Ferana Vaigal - Left Wing
6. Qwerty Uiop - Stand-off
7. Jana Nanni - Scrum-half
8. Préna Nanni - Prop
9. Munia Nubswia- Hooker
10. Vrederik Johannsenn - Prop
11. Zera Niguyana - Second Row
12. Falden Nilian - Second Row
13. Janni Milverki - Loose Forward

Bench:
14. Dréaan N@a - Fullback
15. Fy Ana - Right Wing
16. S@ Naw - Right Center
17. Ian Nikliana - Left Center
18. Xixi Muntria - Left Wing
19. Vred Ferdan - Stand-off
20. B@ Lük - Scrum-half
21. €a Mai - Prop
22. Ja Nin - Hooker
23. Swen Ferenigen - Prop
24. Asdram Biwya - Second Row
25. Hunki Lopkina - Second Row
26. Üna Nönai - Loose Forward

[Lithatrius]

Lithatrian Squad:

Backs:
#1: Pavel Sevastyan (Full-back)
#2: Filip Voloddya (Wing)
#3: Vasya Arkhip (Centre)
#4: Saveli Platon (Centre)
#5: Aleksei Ferapont (Wing)
#6: Bronislav Filat (Stand-Off)
#7: Aleksei Spyradon (Scrum-Half)

Forwards:
#8: Arkhip Fedya (Prop)
#9: Roman Kliment (Hooker)
#10: David Savva (Prop)
#11: Khariton Mstislava (Second-Row)
#12: Varnava Spyridon (Second-Row)
#13: Innokentiy Dorofei (Lock)

[Logria]

OOC HOST ANNOUNCMENT

Draw has been delayed, as I appear to be missing the latest rankings (or the formula with which to calculate them).

It will take place once I have beaten the information out of the Dancougari interns that Somewhereistonia has employed.

EDIT: Said intern has been beaten and the draw will now take place at 0030 UTC (one hour).

[The Fanboyists]

Rugby is generally viewed in the Federation as a funny foreign sport. Therefore, there are no professionals, nor, as there are in lacrosse, even semi-pros. So, a bunch of amateurs will be representing the Federation in this.


1. Full back: Isaak Graagur
2. Right wing: Daamus Braannur
3. Right centre: Skrael Muellur
4. Left centre: Druft Waalturs
5. Left wing: Dave O'Bannon
6. Stand-off: Joe Latimer
7. Scrum-half: William Skuggins
8. Prop: Mike Bones
9. Hooker: Leon Zacks
10. Prop: Pete Stiles
11. Second row: James Marks
12. Second row: Andrew Scott
13. Loose forward: Shawn Scott

Make up typical English names (Irish or Scottsh or Germanic surnames) for backups.

Choose My Goal/Try Scorers: Yes
Godmod Events: TG for permission first
Injure My Players: Yes, but I determine severity
Put my players in Sin bin: Yes
Send my players off: Yes
Other: TG your idea for approval first.


OOC: I'm sorry about the lack of detail, but I don't know much about rugby. I'll RP as well as I can, given that.

[Logria]

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

Matchday(s) One
A: Somewhereistonia v San Giorgio a Cremano - Royal Stadium, Palliston
A: Lunassa v The Weegies - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

B: The Yorozuya v Virabia - Aldos Park, Broadferry
B: Iglesian Archipelago v Swartaz - Speake Road, Helling

C: Peisandros v Vedacia - Central Stadium, Springfield
C: Iles Arctiques v The Fanboyists - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

D: Newmanistan v Desperado - Whedon Road, Filby
D: Taeshan v Kulverint - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

E: Sorthern Northland v Shilohrod - Central Stadium, Springfield
E: Euroslavia v Oberour Ar Moro - Speake Road, Helling

F: West Zirconia v Kalasparata - Aldos Park, Broadferry
F: Lithatrius v Delaclava - Scarlets Park, Eccleston

G: Logria v Sarzonia - Royal Stadium, Palliston
G: Jesselton v Shivat - Whedon Road, Filby

Matchday(s) Two
A: Somewhereistonia v The Weegies - Royal Stadium, Palliston
A: Lunassa v San Giorgio a Cremano - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

B: The Yorozuya v Swartaz - Aldos Park, Broadferry
B: Iglesian Archipelago v Virabia - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

C: Peisandros v The Fanboyists - Central Stadium, Springfield
C: Iles Arctiques v Vedacia - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

D: Newmanistan v Kulverint - Whedon Road, Filby
D: Taeshan v Desperado - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

E: Sorthern Northland v Oberour Ar Moro - Central Stadium, Springfield
E: Euroslavia v Shilohrod - Speake Road, Helling

F: West Zirconia v Delaclava - Aldos Park, Broadferry
F: Lithatrius v Kalasparata - Scarlets Park, Eccleston

G: Logria v Shivat - Royal Stadium, Palliston
G: Jesselton v Sarzonia - Whedon Road, Filby

Matchday(s) Three
A: Somewhereistonia v Lunassa - Royal Stadium, Palliston
A: The Weegies v San Giorgio a Cremano - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

B: The Yorozuya v Iglesian Archipelago - Aldos Park, Broadferry
B: Swartaz v Virabia - Scarlets Park, Eccleston

C: Peisandros v Iles Arctiques - Central Stadium, Springfield
C: The Fanboyists v Vedacia - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

D: Newmanistan v Taeshan - Whedon Road, Filby
D: Kulverint v Desperado - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

E: Sorthern Northland v Euroslavia - Central Stadium, Springfield
E: Oberour Ar Moro v Shilohrod - Speake Road, Helling

F: West Zirconia v Lithatrius - Aldos Park, Broadferry
F: Delaclava v Kalasparata - Scarlets Park, Eccleston

G: Logria v Jesselton - Royal Stadium, Palliston
G: Shivat v Sarzonia - Whedon Road, Filby

Second Round
1 - A1 v 3P2 - Aldos Park, Broadferry
2 - B1 v C2 - Whedon Road, Filby
3 - C1 v D2 - Central Stadium, Springfield
4 - D1 v E2 - Scarlets Park, Eccleston
5 - E1 v F2 - Riverside Park, Shelcastle
6 - F1 v B2 - Speake Road, Helling
7 - G1 v 3P1 - Royal Stadium, Palliston
8 - A2 v G2 - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

Quarter-Finals
9 - W1 v W4 - Scarlets Park, Eccleston
10 - W8 v W3 - Speake Road, Helling
11 - W7 v W6 - Whedon Road, Filby
12 - W2 v W5 - Runsfield Road, Winsdean

Semi-Finals
13 - W9 v W10 - Aldos Park, Broadferry
14 - W11 v W12 - Riverside Park, Shelcastle

Third Place Match
15 - L13 v L14 - Central Stadium, Springfield

SIXTH RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINAL
16 - W13 v W14 - Royal Stadium, Palliston

[Somewhereistonia]

Nation: Somewhereistonia
Team Nickname: Eagles
Kit:

1st Kit 2nd Kit 3rd Kit

Team Sheet:

Coach - Valdas Vähi

1 Patras Galdikas, 30 [Karrakiv Warriors] (lock)
2 Mishka Hippius, 29 [Kabano Bulls] (full-back)
3 Yuri Kuusik, 26 [Kabano Marauders] (centre)
4 Karl Matteus, 31 [Qasarian Eagles] (centre)
5 Marek Kotli, 32 [Karrakiv Warriors] (wing)
6 Balys Unekis, 27 [Karrakiv Warriors] (stand-off)
7 Marek Zemtsov, 27 [Koltelcia] (scrum half)
8 Tarmo Łukasiewicz, 26 [Kabano Bears] (wing)
9 Ragnar Milosz, 33 [Kabano Bulls] (second row)
10 Vladimir Kudirka, 32 [Kabano Marauders] (second row)
11 Justinas Skema, 29 [Rig Vikings] (prop)
12 Vladimir Kuryłowicz, 26 [Kabano Bulls] (hooker)
13 Olev Skema, 28 [Kabano Bulls] (prop)

------------

14 Oleksandr Ważewski (Fwd), 24 [Talla Heretics]
15 Klass Sauka (Fwd), 28 [Kabano Bulls]
16 Czesław Romanov (Fwd), 21 [Qasarian Tigers]
17 August Czekanowski (Scrum-Half), 23 [Birzai Rebels]
18 Kasper Alda (Back), 30 [Birzai Rebels]
19 Kukas Cheksa (Back), 22 [Qasarian Eagles]
20 Andrus Konchesky (back), 25 [Birzai Rebels]
21 Oleksandr Zekelov (Back), 28 [Qasarian Eagles]
22 Eduard Jahovics (Utility man), 29 [Karrakiv Wolves]
23 Jaak Antas (Full back/Wing), 20 [Kabano Bulls]

Coach Valdas Vähi keeps his job for his fourth world cup after reaching the final of the last two tournaments, winning the second. With only one player retiring and many other moving into their prime, this is perhaps the strongest Somewhereistonia squad to date.

Choose My Goal/Try Scorers: Y
Godmod Events: Y
Injure My Players: Y
Put my players in Sin bin: Y (No more than 2)
Send my players off: Y (No more than 1)
Other: Anything goes within reason.

Note: Yes we do have a weird shirt numbering system, what of it? It's our tradition, or something.

[Somewhereistonia]

Somesport.som

Spordiga rääkima![OOC: translates roughly as sport talk]

~Xentoman~

C'mon world cup! We are back baby! I can't see us doing anything less than the semis and I've just put a punt on us winning the title.

~Kiko~

Yer, a fink dat we will win.

~Vlad101~

We still odds-on favourites? I still think those drunkard Snorths and the Sandrians could pose a threat, they always do.

~Rakkzo~

Wahey, I got tickets! I'm off to Logria, maybe I'll post you guys some updates over there.

~Z1093~

You lucky bastard Rakkzo! They sold out when I came back from work.

~Kiko~

lucky rakk i fink every1 wants to be der

~Kiko~

who is dis an greg cream anyway?

~Vlad101~

Another new nation, we don't seem to hold on that many really. It would be nice to get more interest. Still, Logria seems interested enough, Rushmore is now definitely the centre for Rugby League.

~Z1093~

Yeah, Rushmore is definitely the centre for Rugby League, if not most sports overall. AO is definitely not as dominant as they were.

~Kiko~

so, who will da Eagles beat in da final?

~Vlad101~

Could work out as just about anyone given the system. Still, I think SN might be the biggest threat to a back-to-back title.

~Kiko~

yer, dem drunk donkey f**kers r probs da biggest danger

~Xentoman~

XD Kiko

[Larsistan]

Sorry i didn't make it. Someone let me know when the next one is please

[Virabia]

Virabian Rosters for Rugby League World Cup VI: Logria:


57 Jack Schnabel (lock)
23 Cody Graves (full-back)
55 Caleb Evans (centre)
45 Jasper Mahomet (centre)
44 Nathan Sargent (wing)
78 Toby Tierney (stand-off)
90 Sebastian Dreyer (scrum half)
00 Henry Strehlow (wing)
78 Koby See (second row)
11 Matthew Broham (second row)
10 Zachary Sleeman (prop)
08 Charlie Melrose (hooker)
69 Ben North (prop)
___________________________________________
14 Jayden Gregor (hooker)
13 Jake Hinder (prop)
67 Brock Rignall (centre)
43 Alexander Caffyn (scrum half)

Head Coach: Jim Pattersonfield

Travelling with the team will be the Virabi Marching Band, which will play scores much akin to those in College Gridiron. They will play on trys and other triumphs.

The Vonghurst Star
RLWC VI: Logria Preview

A couple days ago the draw was finalised, the team selected, and now it's off to Logria to partake in the Sixth Rugby League World Cup (an event Virabia almost hosted). While they may be newcomers and hence have a disadvantage, they still have quite a bit of talent, and we might be able to see them get through to the knock out.

GROUP B MATCH PROJECTIONS

Code: Select all

MD 1

The Yorozuya 4
Virabia 16

Iglesian Archipelago 0
Swartaz 3

MD 2

The Yorozuya 0
Swartaz 12

Iglesian Archipelago 15
Virabia 10

MD 3

The Yorozuya 2
Iglesian Archipelago 8

Virabia 12
Swartaz 16


OOC: I scorinated the matches with what I thought would be reasonable RP Bonuses these are by no means official and are only my predictions


PROJECTED GROUP B TABLE

Group B

 Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   PF   PA   PD  Pts
   1  Swartaz                    3   3   0   0   31   12  +19    6
   2  Iglesian Archipelago       3   2   0   1   23   15   +8    4
   3  Virabia                    3   1   0   2   38   37   +1    2
   4  The Yorozuya               3   0   0   3    6   36  -30    0

With this information it's going to be a close one if Virabia can get through to the second round, however, the balls still up in the air so who knows how the cookie will crumble.

[Sorthern Northland]

Beningrad Morning Star

Ó Dubhshláine – Pressure will prevent Somewhereistonians from retaining title

On the eve of the sixth Rugby League World Cup, manager of Sorthern Northland's team Cathal Ó Dubhshláine has claimed that those looking for the champions to be will need to look outside of Somewhereistonia, despite the Eagles being the reigning champions and one of the favourites. Ó Dubhshláine, who managed the Sortherners to their Rugby League World Cup Four success claimed “There's no doubt that Somewhereistonia are a world class side, and were deserving winners of the previous World Cup. Going into a tournament as defending champions though is something new to them, and the pressures that that entails will be new for them. People expect you to win, and to win well as champions, it creates a lot of pressure and I believe that will stop them from retaining the trophy. The fact that no-one has ever retained the trophy is for me a sign of just had big the pressure is on the defending champions, though they shouldn't be ruled out of being capable of doing that. It'll be difficult though.”

Ó Dubhshláine's desire to comment on other sides chances rather than his own though has led to many to claim that he is merely looking to focus attention on other teams rather than his own ageing squad. With many of the starting thirteen in their thirties it is a thought that holds some sway with Ó Dubhsláine even admitting “It's surely the last World Cup for some of our big name players.”

Not that the coach senses any problem with that either, going on to add, “They've been there and done it though. They've been to World Cup finals, they've won them, they've lost them. They are among the most experienced players in the world in this sport, and they are all world class players. And we've got fantastic youngsters coming through to take their place. I believe we have the perfect mix of youth and experience. The young players will learn masses from the senior players, and I fully believe we're capable of winning this tournament. As are Peisandros who are always strong, and then as well as them there's always a chance that another team from outside favourites could win it. It has the potential to be a very open tournament.”

Placed in Group E along with Euroslavia, Oberour Ar Moro and Shilohrod anything other than finishing as group winners would be a major shock from the Sorthern team. It is a group though that gives the current runners-up and previous champions a great chance to send out a warning of intent to the likes of Peisandros and Somewhereistonia.

[Logria]

MATCHDAY ONE

Group A
Somewhereistonia 14-14 San Giorgio a Cremano
Lunassa 14-2 The Weegies

Group B
The Yorozuya 26-2 Virabia
Iglesian Archipelago 17-0 Swartaz

Group C
Peisandros 49-16 Vedacia
Iles Arctiques 2-7 The Fanboyists

Group D
Newmanistan 12-14 Desperado
Taeshan 2-18 Kulverint

Group E
Sorthern Northland 8-12 Shilohrod
Euroslavia 6-2 Oberour Ar Moro

Group F
West Zirconia 7-22 Kalasparata
Lithatrius 15-0 Delaclava

Group G
Logria 29-18 Sarzonia
Jesselton 12-8 Shivat

[Lithatrius]

Excellent Win For The Lithatriskiye Team

A superb performance by the Lithatriskiye Rugby League team today sent them second in the group with a convincing win over Delaclava. With 2 converted tries and 3 drop goals, the team sailed to a comfortably 15-0 victory.

Our next match will be against Kalasparata, the other team to win, who beat West Zirconia by 22-7.

[Newmanistan]

(before the game)

Captain Hunt looked around the locker room as the team prepared for its first match, against Desperado, in Filby. The team was generally happy to be playing out of the immediate industrial belt of northern Logria, and were glad that all three of their games were being played at the same stadium.

Hunt: What you all think about the group? Taeshan again.

Goverski: They can’t beat us! It’s great that they are in here, the Newmanistan-Taeshan rivalry should bring a lot of fans here to show off their sky blue with pride here.

Hammond: Definitely, Taeshan can’t beat us except for the last time we played them in something they actually did. Would love to send a sweet lil’ message to them on the pitch.

Goverski: We still own Taeshan, even with the baseball result. Don’t have much rugby history with them yet, but we have to make sure it works out well for us.

Hunt: They are certainly the highlight of the schedule, but let’s not look past Desperado and Kulverint.

Hammond: I expect Kulverint to be tough, they want to prove something in Logria almost as bad as we do since they wanted to host some games there. I think we have a nice little advantage though with all of our games being here at Whedon Road.

Salvi: For sure, you can see the Newmanistanians camping out here, they are ready to settle in. Filby will be painted sky blue, and there will be nothing soft about that.

Hunt: Don’t see a huge Desperado contingent of fans yet, but you never know, they could be somewhere else. I’m thinking we’ll have a good home field advantage here.

Goverski: Taeshan only plays one game here, so their fans will probably camp out at the other place out in Shelcastle.

Salvi: We should get out of this group, if we don’t then I don’t think any of us are invited back. We need a good showing, the anti-sky blue slur has woke up Newmanistan and it seems like a lot of our fans are interested in this, much more then they would usually be. Therefore, we have to play well. It could really be the future of Newmanistanian rugby at stake.

Hunt: Normally I would say you were exaggerating but really you are not. This is big for us. I don’t think we’ll ever have as much people watching rugby, and us, in Newmanistan as we will this time. Even though the sky blue-slur has nothing to do with us, our fans feel slighted and are going to be watching. If we do well, they’ll want to watch more. If we don’t, then we go back on the rear burner once again.

Hammond: Our fans will all be wearing sky blue, they are encouraging it and telling everyone to dress head to toe in sky blue, and they will also be having sky blue rally towels during the match. It should be a nice sight for us.

Salvi: Hell yeah. Hopefully they can fill up a lot of the stadium.

[Kulverint]

Kulverint destroy Taeshan with 18 - 2 Win!

The first ever international Kulverintian rugby league game ended to a rousing chorus of the national anthem, as Kulverint came home with an incredible win against Taeshan. 3 tries all converted overpowered Taeshan's penalty kick. The manager of Kulverint said this:

"Ja, ja, ja! Vie are tu gut tu be trü!"

"Yes, yes, yes! We are too good to be true!"

[Sorthern Northland]

Beningrad Morning Star

Swans cause Sorthern Northland to fall to shock defeat

Dark days are being predicted for Sorthern fans of rugby league after the national team suffered a shock defeat to Shilohrod, aided by the hands wings of a flock of swans.

With Shilohrod winning Group E's opening match by twelve points to eight the difference between a draw and a defeat for Sorthern Northland was the two conversion attempts missed by the usually reliable Charlie McNally. With Eadbhárd Ó Maolomhnaigh scoring a try under the posts after twenty minutes to bring the score back to 6-4 following an early try by Shilohrod, McNally was presented with a superb opportunity to level the scores. His conversion attempt looked to be on target to add two points until a large whooper flew into the ball diverting it wide of the target.

An Oliver Doherty try just to left of the posts on the brink of half time gave McNally another chance at two points, and a chance to put his side into the lead. This time though it was not to be a whooper swan but a mute swan that prevented him from adding two points. Just as McNally struck the ball he was also struck on the temple by a dive bombing mute swan, resulting in his kick lacking somewhat in accuracy. The Sorthern team, clearly afraid of their safety in the swan infested surroundings of the Central Stadium in Springfield then put in an insipid second-half performance allowing Shilohrod to score a converted try to take maximum points from the encounter.

It is understood that a number a Sorthern fans were also attacked by swans outside the stadium in the aftermath of the match, leading Sorthern president Rhys O'Donnell to declare Logria a member of the 'Axis of evil' for their “unrepentant support of anatidae terrorist factions”. An evacuation of Sorthern women and children is understood to be under way.

[Logria]

MATCHDAY TWO

Group A
Somewhereistonia 66-6 The Weegies
Lunassa 8-8 San Giorgia a Cremano

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Somewhereistonia	2	1	1	0	80	20	60	3
2	Lunassa			2	1	1	0	22	10	12	3
3	San Giorgio a Cremano	2	0	2	0	22	22	0	2
4	The Weegies		2	0	0	2	8	80	-72	0  E

Group B
The Yorozuya 35-12 Swartaz
Iglesian Archipelago 20-24 Virabia

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	The Yorozuya		2	2	0	0	61	14	47	4
2	Iglesian Archipelago	2	1	0	1	37	24	13	2
3	Virabia			2	1	0	1	26	46	-20	2
4	Swartaz			2	0	0	2	12	52	-40	0

Group C
Peisandros 70-6 The Fanboyists
Iles Arctiques 22-14 Vedacia

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Peisandros		2	2	0	0	119	22	97	4
2	Iles Arctiques		2	1	0	1	24	21	3	2
3	The Fanboyists		2	1	0	1	13	72	-59	2
4	Vedacia			2	0	0	2	30	71	-41	0

Group D
Newmanistan 44-12 Kulverint
Taeshan 29-18 Desperado

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Newmanistan		2	1	0	1	56	26	30	2
2	Taeshan			2	1	0	1	31	36	-5	2
3	Desperado		2	1	0	1	32	41	-9	2
4	Kulverint		2	1	0	1	30	46	-16	2

Group E
Sorthern Northland 78-12 Oberour Ar Moro
Euroslavia 18-20 Shilohrod

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Shilohrod		2	2	0	0	32	26	6	4
2	Sorthern Northland	2	1	0	1	86	24	62	2
3	Euroslavia		2	1	0	1	24	22	2	2
4	Oberour Ar Moro		2	0	0	2	14	84	-70	0

Group F
West Zirconia 37-18 Delaclava
Lithatrius 0-6 Kalasparata

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Kalasparata		2	2	0	0	28	7	21	4
2	Lithatrius		2	1	0	1	15	6	9	2
3	West Zirconia		2	1	0	1	44	40	4	2
4	Delaclava		2	0	0	2	18	52	-34	0

Group G
Logria 42-20 Shivat
Jesselton 10-18 Sarzonia

POS	NAME			PL	W	D	L	PS	PC	PD	PTS
1	Logria			2	2	0	0	71	38	33	4
2	Sarzonia		2	1	0	1	36	39	-3	2
3	Jesselton		2	1	0	1	22	26	-4	2
4	Shivat			2	0	0	2	28	54	-26	0

[Virabia]

- S N I K T -

RP cutoff?

[Lithatrius]

Unfortunate Loss

With a narrow 6-0 loss to Kalasparata, our boys have 1 match left in the group - West Zirconia, with whom we are tied on points. A draw or win for Lithatrius puts us threw to the next round, whilst a loss knocks us out. Keep tuned to see how it goes!

[Newmanistan]

After routing Kulverint to keep their playoff hopes alive, players converse.

Hammond: Hey, you guys see that the Rocket Report journalists were freed?

Hunt: Really, that’s great. Maybe we can get the Rocket Report here to cover the rugby, even if it is on the back pages.

Salvi: The Rocket Report is scared, they aren’t even sending people to the World Cup of Hockey. Given that, how the hell are they even going to think about sending people to Logria.

Hammond: You know, most of this field in the Rugby League competition probably has no idea what we are talking about, since I don’t think any of these countries have played in the International Basketball Championships.

Hunt: Who cares? Is the rest of the world going to somehow hear our conversation? And besides, there is not a bigger news story going on in Newmanistan right now. I am so glad that they are free. I know they are not here and they probably wouldn’t be even if none of this happened, but let’s all be grateful that it all ended well.

Goverski: Is it really over, or is it just beginning? Maybe someone who somehow hears our conversation now will also hear references to it in say, World Cup 50. But anyway, it would have been a disaster to have lost this game and been eliminated early. Rockets-Taeshan tomorrow, one of the greatest rivalries in Newmanistanian history, and I think the Rocket Report would be here if they weren’t scared. Rockets-Taeshan is a story even if they are playing tic-tac-toe.

Hammond: They can’t beat us in tic-tac-toe, either.

Hunt: You’re probably right, but as we all know we’re at crossroads right here. If we lose out in the group stage, with all of this fan support that we have gotten, then we will lose it all and rugby will not grow in popularity within the Empire. If we win, then we have the potential to expand it.

Salvi: It’s certainly a big game, and we can’t be cyan softies in the midst of all this pressure. We have to realize that we historically always beat Taeshan when we play them in something, but not be overconfident about it. Do that, and we will be through.

Goverski: I’m not really convinced that just making the knockouts expands popularity, but I do know that if we don’t, we will lose it. Especially if Taeshan keeps us out. Since we always beat Taeshan, if they were to win this and keep us out, then rugby will definitely be seen as inferior sport here, and we can’t have that.

Hunt: It’s also big for us. Because even though I am pretty sure Newmanistan will be back in this if we were to lose out, we may not be, as players. They might start looking to replace us. And none of us want that. It’s a lot of pressure, and the whole time we have been saying that sky blue isn’t soft. We have to prove that by our play tomorrow.

Salvi: Agreed. Now how about we head to the pub for the evening?

Hunt: Good idea.