Rugby League World Cup 11 (Everything thread)

[Green Jello Salad]

Welcome to Green Jello Salad from the governing board of TSP Super 20, one of the world's premier multi-national rugby organisations with 20 clubs representing 12 nations! We trust that you will enjoy your stay here in our green and pleasant land, in our national capital of Bountiful and in the eight additional host cities.

Green Jello Salad's national sport is undoubtedly football, but with differing flavors for men and women. Our lady athletes play the rather less rugged association football. For our men nothing less than the robustness of thirteen-man rugby league will do. TSP Super 20 was founded here in Bountiful as the Tri-Nations Rugby League. Bountiful and Winterhaven, the latter club playing from Newport, are the two GJS charter members of TNRL and are both still active in the modern Super 20 era. Bountiful are in fact a ranked club in the Seasogs rankings for union, notwithstanding the difference in code.

The national team, the Salad Shooters, have a record of 10-1-9 in three previous World Cups. Their best finish was fourth in the last edition in Aels and Ancharmunn. At present the GJS thirteen rank ninth in the world.

But enough about us! From here on it's all about you.

Qualification stage

This RLWC will use six rounds of Swiss-system qualifying, specifically the Kopavogur Method developed in The Babbage Islands, to cut to a seeded knockout bracket of eight teams and ties. Two points will be awarded per win and one per draw. No tiebreaks will be used for advancement; all teams on equal points with the eighth-place team will make the cut.

In Swiss-system events every entrant plays in every round, and pairings of later rounds match up teams of similar records subject to a no-rematch constraint. This makes for highly-competitive play throughout.

What is Kopavogur Method?

Kopavogur Method (or KM) is a version of the Swiss system of tournament organisation. Like its parent, KM represents a compromise between the standard offerings of elimination cup-style play and lengthy all-play-all or round-robin formats.

The great advantage of KM when compared with Power Pairings and other forms of Swiss is that it removes all discretion from the hands of tournament managers. Anyone familiar with the procedures of KM will produce identical pairings from a given situation. There is no need to calculate anything other than the current standing in points. Further, the only randomness in the tournament is in the lottery to establish first-round matches. Everything else operates as a direct adjunct of earned results in play.

A KM tournament may be set for any number of rounds. Six to eight rounds are typical for significant competitions or those used as qualification to further events. Three- to five-round KM events can be satisfactory for smaller fields or where time is a constraint (e.g. a weekend competition in ultimate or go).

In the description below, "team" could also be an individual competitor.

The principles of KM

1. No rematches. Teams that have played each other once must not play again. (Events of a length that forces violating this principle should be recast into an all-play-all format using standard round-robin tables.)

2. Equal scores. Subject to the no rematch principle, in each round each team should be matched against an opponent whose current tournament standing is as near as possible to their own.

3. Always pair forward. This refers to the characteristic cycling through the tournament draw to find opponents, and will be made clear below.

The first round

4. Lottery. The first round is paired by lot. The first team drawn receives the number 1 for the entire tournament, and is paired against the next team drawn which is numbered 2. Continue drawing teams, numbering consecutively, and pairing 3-4, 5-6, etc. until all teams are paired.

5. Bye. Should there be an odd number of teams, a phantom team Bye is introduced. It receives the next number in sequence and is paired against the last team drawn in the first round. The opponent of Bye receives points for a win without play, and Bye is treated as having lost.

6. Home advantage. If the competition is to be played at different sites where home advantage is a factor, or another position of advantage is involved (moving first as White in a chess match, for example), the first team drawn in each pairing receives this advantage in round one. Neither Bye nor its opponent are considered to have had advantage.

Subsequent rounds

7. Last shall be first. The arbiter begins pairing for a round by finding the last pair made in the previous round, ignoring any pair with Bye. The team with "home" advantage from that pair, or if no advantage the team paired first of the two, is the starting point.

8. Cycle forward. From the starting point, work forward through the list of teams in numerical order to find the first team with the most points. (This could be the team on the starting point.) Place that team in the first pairing. Then cycle forward from the just-paired team to find the next team on the same number of points for an opponent. As the bottom of the list (highest-numbered team) is reached, return to number 1 at the top of the list and keep cycling forward. As each pair is complete, repeat the process until all teams are eventually paired.

9. Rematch not allowed. When finding an opponent under rule 8, skip over any team that has already played the team for which a pairing is sought.

10. As close as possible. When finding an opponent under rule 8, if there is no opponent available on the same number of points, continue to cycle forward looking for the next team with the next highest number of points.

11. Bottom deadlock. It is sometimes the case that the last remaining pair of teams have already met and must not be paired (rule 1). Should this occur, annul the next-to-last pair, start from the first team in that pair and re-pair them passing over the known anomaly to seek a legal set of pairings. Quite rarely it will be the case that no legal pairings can be constructed from the bottom four; in this case annul the next-to-penultimate pair and repeat as described.

12. Home advantage in later rounds. Advantage in later rounds goes to:
a. The team that has held advantage fewer times than their opponent;
b. If a is equal, the team that held advantage least recently;
c. If a and b are equal, the team with fewer tournament points;
d. If all the above are equal, the team with the lower lottery number.

Tie-breaking

13. When to break ties. Tie-breaking should only occur where a prize or prizes are at stake that cannot be divided, such as a title, trophy, or qualifications to another event. Every effort should be made by organisers to avoid the need for tie-breaking; co-champions can be declared, or duplicate trophies made.

14. KM followed by cup. When a tournament under one organiser uses KM for qualification followed by cup-style eliminations, it is normal to set the qualification as, for example, top eight or 16 plus ties. A play-in round is then scheduled to reduce the field to an appropriate power of two. Tie-breaking may appropriately be used as needed to seed the cup field and play-in games. The elimination of any team based on tie-breaking formulas only should be avoided at all cost.

Entries will be closed at some point on Tuesday, November 27. First-round pairings will be posted shortly after entries close.

Knockout stage

The knockout bracket will be seeded by: 1) Points. 2) Net points scored (points scored less points yielded). 3) Points scored. 4) Head-to-head result if the teams played each other. 5) Coin toss. With 9-15 teams in the knockouts an extra round of play-in matches will reduce the field to eight for quarterfinals. The top seeds not forced to play-in are credited with automatic wins for their Bye matches in that round.

Schedule

Matches will be scorinated every second (occasionally third) day to allow plenty of time for roleplaying.

Qualifying MD1: Saturday, December 1.
Qualifying MD2: Monday, December 3.
Qualifying MD3: Wednesday, December 5.
Qualifying MD4: Saturday, December 8. (Mind the gap)
Qualifying MD5: Tuesday, December 11. (Mind the gap)
Qualifying MD6: Thursday, December 13.

Play-in matches: Saturday, December 15.
Quarterfinals: Monday, December 17.
Semifinals: Wednesday, December 19.
Third Place Match: Thursday. December 20.
RLWC 11 Final: Friday, December 21.

Scorinator

The Footba11er formula as implemented in xkoranate will be used. Generous but unspecified RP bonuses are on offer, one bonus maximum per matchday plus one for a squad list.

Squad lists (rosters) may now be posted. If you wish to limit what your opponents can do with your players in RP, you should include these "RP permissions" with your squad list.

Facilities

All matches will be played in Green Jello Salad. Qualifying matches and play-in games will be held in ten stadiums in nine cities. Knockout matches will be held in two stadiums in the national capital of Bountiful.

• Seagull Park (64,064), Newport, Winterhaven, provincial capital, home to Winterhaven in TSP Super 20
• Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan, national and provincial capital, home to Bountiful in TSP Super 20
• Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan, national and provincial capital, home to Bountiful in Pathfinder Technologies TSP Premiership (soccer)
• University Park (18,725), Oxford, Meadowlands, provincial capital, home to Meadowlands Wanderers in Pathfinder Technologies TSP Premiership (soccer)
• Forest Park Cricket Ground (13,942), Ashland, Meadowlands
• Partridge Road (11,547), Spring Hill, Upper Jordan, provincial capital, home to Upper Jordan in Pathfinder Technologies TSP Premiership (soccer)
• Lord's (9,341), Fairview, Winterhaven
• Riverside Stadium (5,874), Riverside, Lower Jordan
• Apple Lane (5,785), Five Points, Lower Jordan
• City Ground (5,422), Manti, Upper Jordan

Regional map

Entrants

1. Aels (0.96)
2. Slembana
3. Cyborg Holland (3.11)
4. Farfadillis
5. Saugeais (3.93)
6. Licentiapacisterra
7. Free South Califas
8. Paradystopia
9. Yesopalitha
10. Sicoutimont
11. Darmen (3.35)
12. Polar Islandstates (4.26)
13. Estope
14. Mapletish (1.05)
15. Caelicolus
16. Warkus
17. 84733842
18. Ancharmunn (1.28)
19. Lymantatia
20. Green Jello Salad (2.54)
21. Neu Engollon
22. Hutanjia
23. The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (0.48)
24. Azeerija
25. Swyftlandre
26. Inis Arglidd
27. Bloodbath Generation
28. Michael VII (2.27)
29. Asteran
30. Burdiinway
31. Bordurian
32. West Guiana
33. Coventrinia
34. Bongo Johnson
35. Lunar Republic Islands

[Green Jello Salad]

Round One Results
P-numbers by each name represent lottery positions used in the KM pairings.

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Warkus (P1) 10–31 Asteran (P2)
Slembana (P3) 24–30 Farfadillis (P4)

Seagull Park (64,064), Newport, Winterhaven
Caelicolus (P5) 18–24 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (P6)
Lymantatia (P7) 6–36 Michael VII (P8)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Burdiinway (P9) 22–16 Azeerija (P10)
Licentiapacisterra (P11) 36–6 Bordurian (P12)

University Park (18,725), Oxford, Meadowlands
Neu Engollon (P13) 24–16 Coventrinia (P14)
Aels (P15) 24–24 Paradystopia (P16)

Forest Park Cricket Ground (13,942), Ashland, Meadowlands
84733842 (P17) 12–26 Lunar Republic Islands (P18)
Darmen (P19) 14–24 Hutanjia (P20)

Partridge Road (11,547), Spring Hill, Upper Jordan
Cyborg Holland (P21) 30–12 Mapletish (P22)
Bongo Johnson (P23) 18–36 Free South Califas (P24)

Lord's (9,341), Fairview, Winterhaven
Green Jello Salad (P25) 30–6 Swyftlandre (P26)
Yesopalitha (P27) 28–12 West Guiana (P28)

Riverside Stadium (5,874), Riverside, Lower Jordan
Bloodbath Generation (P29) 18–19 Estope (P30)

Apple Lane (5,785), Five Points, Lower Jordan
Saugeais (P31) 22–16 Ancharmunn (P32)

City Ground (5,422), Manti, Upper Jordan
Inis Arglidd (P33) 12–30 Polar Islandstates (P34)

Sicoutimont (P35) received the Bye (P36).

Round Two Results
P-numbers by each name represent lottery positions used in the KM pairings.

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Sicoutimont (P35) 22–18 Asteran (P2)
Farfadillis (P4) 18–30 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (P6)

Seagull Park (64,064), Newport, Winterhaven
Michael VII (P8) 37–12 Burdiinway (P9)
Licentiapacisterra (P11) 4–27 Neu Engollon (P13)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Lunar Republic Islands (P18) 0–42 Hutanjia (P20)
Cyborg Holland (P21) 35–12 Free South Califas (P24)

University Park (18,725), Oxford, Meadowlands
Green Jello Salad (P25) 48–6 Yesopalitha (P27)
Estope (P30) 16–22 Saugeais (P31)

Forest Park Cricket Ground (13,942), Ashland, Meadowlands
Polar Islandstates (P34) 26–10 Aels (P15)
Paradystopia (P16) 34–6 84733842 (P17)

Partridge Road (11,547), Spring Hill, Upper Jordan
Darmen (P19) 34–6 Mapletish (P22)
Bongo Johnson (P23) 4–35 Swyftlandre (P26)

Lord's (9,341), Fairview, Winterhaven
West Guiana (P28) 35–0 Bloodbath Generation (P29)
Ancharmunn (P32) 36–6 Inis Arglidd (P33)

Riverside Stadium (5,874), Riverside, Lower Jordan
Slembana (P3) 31–6 Caelicolus (P5)

Apple Lane (5,785), Five Points, Lower Jordan
Lymantatia (P7) 18–24 Azeerija (P10)

City Ground (5,422), Manti, Upper Jordan
Bordurian (P12) 12–30 Coventrinia (P14)

Warkus (P1) received the Bye (P36).

Round Three Results
P-numbers by each name represent lottery positions used in the KM pairings.

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Neu Engollon (P13) 26–18 Hutanjia (P20)
Cyborg Holland (P21) 29–12 Green Jello Salad (P25)

Seagull Park (64,064), Newport, Winterhaven
Saugeais (P31) 22–25 Polar Islandstates (P34)
Sicoutimont (P35) 10–30 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (P6)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Michael VII (P8) 22–24 Paradystopia (P16)
Lunar Republic Islands (P18) 10–36 Darmen (P19)

University Park (18,725), Oxford, Meadowlands
Free South Califas (P24) 30–6 Swyftlandre (P26)
Yesopalitha (P27) 38–6 Estope (P30)

Forest Park Cricket Ground (13,942), Ashland, Meadowlands
Ancharmunn (P32) 30–10 Warkus (P1)
Asteran (P2) 28–18 Slembana (P3)

Partridge Road (11,547), Spring Hill, Upper Jordan
Farfadillis (P4) 32–6 Burdiinway (P9)
Azeerija (P10) 11–17 Licentiapacisterra (P11)

Lord's (9,341), Fairview, Winterhaven
Coventrinia (P14) 6–31 West Guiana (P28)
Aels (P15) 42–0 84733842 (P17)

Riverside Stadium (5,874), Riverside, Lower Jordan
Mapletish (P22) 34–6 Bongo Johnson (P23)

Apple Lane (5,785), Five Points, Lower Jordan
Bloodbath Generation (P29) 28–24 Inis Arglidd (P33)

City Ground (5,422), Manti, Upper Jordan
Lymantatia (P7) 6–36 Bordurian (P12)

Caelicolus (P5) received the Bye (P36).

Round Four Results
P-numbers by each name represent lottery positions used in the KM pairings.

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Neu Engollon (P13) 0–44 Cyborg Holland (P21)
Polar Islandstates (P34) 36–6 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (P6)

Seagull Park (64,064), Newport, Winterhaven
Paradystopia (P16) 7–28 Darmen (P19)
Hutanjia (P20) 28–12 Free South Califas (P24)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Green Jello Salad (P25) 36–4 West Guiana (P28)
Saugeais (P31) 37–12 Sicoutimont (P35)

University Park (18,725), Oxford, Meadowlands
Asteran (P2) 28–22 Farfadillis (P4)
Michael VII (P8) 34–6 Licentiapacisterra (P11)

Forest Park Cricket Ground (13,942), Ashland, Meadowlands
Yesopalitha (P27) 6–27 Ancharmunn (P32)
Aels (P15) 25–18 Lunar Republic Islands (P18)

Partridge Road (11,547), Spring Hill, Upper Jordan
Mapletish (P22) 24–10 Swyftlandre (P26)
Bloodbath Generation (P29) 36–10 Warkus (P1)

Lord's (9,341), Fairview, Winterhaven
Slembana (P3) 30–18 Burdiinway (P9)
Azeerija (P10) 12–40 Bordurian (P12)

Riverside Stadium (5,874), Riverside, Lower Jordan
Coventrinia (P14) 17–28 Estope (P30)

Apple Lane (5,785), Five Points, Lower Jordan
Caelicolus (P5) 28–12 Lymantatia (P7)

City Ground (5,422), Manti, Upper Jordan
84733842 (P17) 30–12 Bongo Johnson (P23)

Inis Arglidd (P33) received the Bye (P36).

Round Five Results
P-numbers by each name represent lottery positions used in the KM pairings.

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Polar Islandstates (P34) 22–18 Cyborg Holland (P21)
Green Jello Salad (P25) 10–30 Saugeais (P31)

Seagull Park (64,064), Newport, Winterhaven
Ancharmunn (P32) 30–12 Asteran (P2)
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (P6) 7–28 Michael VII (P8)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Neu Engollon (P13) 23–22 Darmen (P19)
Hutanjia (P20) 24–24 Aels (P15)

University Park (18,725), Oxford, Meadowlands
Paradystopia (P16) 30–18 Mapletish (P22)
Free South Califas (P24) 24–18 Yesopalitha (P27)

Forest Park Cricket Ground (13,942), Ashland, Meadowlands
West Guiana (P28) 41–0 Estope (P30)
Sicoutimont (P35) 32–18 Slembana (P3)

Partridge Road (11,547), Spring Hill, Upper Jordan
Farfadillis (P4) 46–0 Caelicolus (P5)
Licentiapacisterra (P11) 30–16 Bloodbath Generation (P29)

Lord's (9,341), Fairview, Winterhaven
Bordurian (P12) 34–0 84733842 (P17)
Lunar Republic Islands (P18) 12–28 Swyftlandre (P26)

Riverside Stadium (5,874), Riverside, Lower Jordan
Inis Arglidd (P33) 24–25 Warkus (P1)

Apple Lane (5,785), Five Points, Lower Jordan
Burdiinway (P9) 38–0 Coventrinia (P14)

City Ground (5,422), Manti, Upper Jordan
Azeerija (P10) 10–23 Bongo Johnson (P23)

Lymantatia (P7) received the Bye (P36).

Round Six Results
P-numbers by each name represent lottery positions used in the KM pairings.

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Polar Islandstates (P34) 18–19 Michael VII (P8)
Neu Engollon (P13) 24–12 Saugeais (P31)

Seagull Park (64,064), Newport, Winterhaven
Ancharmunn (P32) 4–26 Cyborg Holland (P21)
Paradystopia (P16) 22–16 Hutanjia (P20)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Free South Califas (P24) 18–22 Green Jello Salad (P25)
West Guiana (P28) 28–12 Sicoutimont (P35)

University Park (18,725), Oxford, Meadowlands
Asteran (P2) 26–10 The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (P6)
Licentiapacisterra (P11) 18–24 Aels (P15)

Forest Park Cricket Ground (13,942), Ashland, Meadowlands
Darmen (P19) 37–10 Farfadillis (P4)
Bordurian (P12) 24–18 Mapletish (P22)

Partridge Road (11,547), Spring Hill, Upper Jordan
Swyftlandre (P26) 12–36 Yesopalitha (P27)
Bloodbath Generation (P29) 16–18 Slembana (P3)

Lord's (9,341), Fairview, Winterhaven
Caelicolus (P5) 16–22 Burdiinway (P9)
Estope (P30) 12–28 Warkus (P1)

Riverside Stadium (5,874), Riverside, Lower Jordan
Lymantatia (P7) 18–24 Coventrinia (P14)

Apple Lane (5,785), Five Points, Lower Jordan
84733842 (P17) 34–12 Inis Arglidd (P33)

City Ground (5,422), Manti, Upper Jordan
Azeerija (P10) 30–12 Lunar Republic Islands (P18)

Bongo Johnson (P23) received the Bye (P36).

Tables

Team (Pairing number)                W  D  L Pts  PD
Cyborg Holland (P21)                 5  0  1  10 +120
Michael VII (P8)                     5  0  1  10 +103
Polar Islandstates (P34)             5  0  1  10  +70
Neu Engollon (P13)                   5  0  1  10   +8
Paradystopia (P16)                   4  1  1   9  +27
Darmen (P19)                         4  0  2   8  +91
West Guiana (P28)                    4  0  2   8  +69
Green Jello Salad (P25)              4  0  2   8  +65
Ancharmunn (P32)                     4  0  2   8  +61
Bordurian (P12)                      4  0  2   8  +50
Saugeais (P31)                       4  0  2   8  +42
Aels (P15)                           3  2  1   8  +39
Asteran (P2)                         4  0  2   8  +31
------------------------------------------------
Hutanjia (P20)                       3  1  2   7
Warkus (P1)                          3  0  3   6
Slembana (P3)                        3  0  3   6
Farfadillis (P4)                     3  0  3   6
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (P6)     3  0  3   6
Burdiinway (P9)                      3  0  3   6
Licentiapacisterra (P11)             3  0  3   6
Free South Califas (P24)             3  0  3   6
Yesopalitha (P27)                    3  0  3   6
Sicoutimont (P35)                    3  0  3   6
Caelicolus (P5)                      2  0  4   4
Azeerija (P10)                       2  0  4   4
Coventrinia (P14)                    2  0  4   4
84733842 (P17)                       2  0  4   4
Mapletish (P22)                      2  0  4   4
Bongo Johnson (P23)                  2  0  4   4
Swyftlandre (P26)                    2  0  4   4
Bloodbath Generation (P29)           2  0  4   4
Estope (P30)                         2  0  4   4
Lymantatia (P7)                      1  0  5   2
Lunar Republic Islands (P18)         1  0  5   2
Inis Arglidd (P33)                   1  0  5   2
BYE (P36)                            0  0  6   0

---

First Knockout Round Results
Records are shown inclusive of the match result

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Cyborg Holland (6-0-1) auto-advance
Green Jello Salad (5-0-2) 27–22 Ancharmunn (4-0-3)
Neu Engollon (6-0-1) 23–12 Asteran (4-0-3)
Paradystopia (5-1-1) 34–18 Aels (3-2-2)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Polar Islandstates (6-0-1) auto-advance
Darmen (4-0-3) 16–22 Saugeais (5-0-2)
Michael VII (6-0-1) auto-advance
West Guiana (4-0-3) 16–29 Bordurian (5-0-2)

Quarterfinal Results
Records are shown inclusive of the match result

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Cyborg Holland (6-0-2) 14–18 Green Jello Salad (6-0-2)
Neu Engollon (6-0-2) 12–30 Paradystopia (6-1-1)

Kimball Field (42,517), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Polar Islandstates (7-0-1) 24–19 Saugeais (5-0-3)
Michael VII (6-0-2) 24–30 Bordurian (6-0-2)

Semifinal Results
Records are shown inclusive of the match result

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Green Jello Salad (6-0-3) 10–30 Paradystopia (7-1-1)
Polar Islandstates (8-0-1) 34–16 Bordurian (6-0-3)

Third Place Playoff
Records are shown inclusive of the match result

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Green Jello Salad (7-0-3) 25-12 Bordurian (6-0-4)

RLWC 11 Final (Scorinated Friday morning 21 Dec)
Records are shown inclusive of the match result

Memorial Stadium (61,308), Bountiful, Lower Jordan
Paradystopia (7-1-2) 13-24 Polar Islandstates (9-0-1)

[Cyborg Holland]

CYBORG HOLLAND SQUAD TO THE XI RLWC

It's a side that have never performed at the World Cup, despite their 5th world ranking. It is a team which lacks power in the forwards, speed in the backs and individual talent. Playmakers Peter Janlock, Jacob Ossler and Aleksander Kottle are getting old. Much of the side that lost 3-1 to Darmen in the Quarter Finals in Aels has changed, being replaced by a new generation of players. Will they sink in the crazy system of the competition? Or will the new boys shine and take them to the country's first international title, after the Union team came so close against Rhodesiah in the Union form.

(Position, Age, Club, Height)
#8: Oliver von Dietrer (Prop, 22, Drattenburg Wasps, 5ft 9")
#9: Thomas Preddie (Hooker, 31, Presidents XIII, 5ft 10")
#10: Brade Sanlier (Prop, 25, Frior Islanders, 5ft 10")
#11: Marteen Fyen (Second Row, 30, Presidents XIII, 6ft 3")
#12: Edward van Horen (Second Row, 27, Brullik Stars RFC , 6ft 5")
#13: Jacob Ossler (Loose Forward, 31, Drattenburg Wasps, 6ft 3")

#7: Simen Xander (Scrum Half/Halfback, 21, Amzterdam Bears, 6ft)
#6: Peter Janlock (Stand-Off, 30, Drattenburg Wasps, 5ft 9") (C)
#5: Nicholas Wërn (Left Wing, 21, Alkmaar Dragons, 6ft 3")
#4: Pyotr Laufërn (Left Centre, 24, Drattenburg Wasps, 6ft 4")
#3: Aleksander Kottle (Right Centre, 33, Drattenburg Wasps, 5ft 7")
#2: Grig Jensen (Right Wing, 25, Eindhoven Raptors, 6ft 7")
#1: Wjtek Güren (Full Back, 23, Presidents XIII, 6ft 4")

#14: Mikael Sint David (Hooker, 31, Drattenburg Wasps, 5ft 6")
#15: Harry Maltenburg (Prop, 35, Amzterdam Bears, 5ft 8")
#16: Markus van Hoorn (Second Row, 27, Eindhoven Raptors, 6ft 3")
#17: Brenden Solder (Loose Forward, 26, Amzterdam Raptors, 6ft 2")
#18: William Jolricht (Scrum Half/Halfback, 24, Bielien Hawks, 5ft 10")
#19: Robert Halberg (Stand Off, 29, Bielien Hawks, 6ft 2")
#20: James Borren (Right/Left Centre, 28, Western Amstaad Kings, 5ft 8")
#21: Jak Swarczynski (Right/Left Wing, 22, Drattenburg Wasps, 5ft 8")
#22: Dirk Hendersen (Full Back, 21, Western Amstaad Kings, 5ft 11")

1st Kit: Silver shirt with blue triangle from shoulder to chest, blue shorts, silver socks
2nd Kit: Black Shirt, Blue Shorts, Black Socks
3rd Kit: Blue Shirt, Shorts and socks

[Saugeais]

Saugeais Hawks Rugby League Squad

Head Coach:
Josef Nevezski - Age 59

Starting XIII:
# - Name - Position - Age

1. Isador Alexander - fullback - 31 (Bugny Axemen)
2. Karsten Wolf - right wing - 34 (Cherrywich Crush)
3. Antoon Lauwens - right centre - 28 (Metalton Miners)
4. Cade Walsh - left centre - 30 (Metalton Miners)
5. Gisbert Ebner - left wing - 31 (South Garland Slayers)
6. Kees Kools - stand off half - 35 (Drattenburg Wasps)
7. Slavomír Lohrenz - scrum half - 35 (Montbenoit Maniacs)
8. Ludwig Harden - prop - 30 (Bugny Axemen)
9. Ansel Lindsay - hooker - 28 (Riverside Rapids)
10. Kiaran Vesely - prop - 34 (Portmore Plowmen)
11. Farrell Scrivenor - second row - 32 (Gilley Giants)
12. Beau Padmore - second row - 35 (Riverside Rapids)
13. Dion Appleton - lock forward - 29 (Metalton Miners)


Reserves:
14. Chad Snelling - centre - 26 (Metalton Miners)
15. Lamont Vonnegut - centre - 29 (Brighton Rebels)
16. Rein Lee - wing - 31 (Bugny Axemen)
17. Witold Niemczyk - prop - 34 (Maystead Pride)
18. Georges Bulle - second row - 30 (Cherrywich Crush)
19. Terry Jerome - half - 27 (Montbenoit Maniacs)
20. Dexter Keegan - fullback - 33 (Maystead Pride)
21. Edgar Perreault - lock forward - 32 ( Brullik Stars)

Uniform:


Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring event:s Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: N
Godmod other events: Y

[New West Guiana]

West Guiana's debut

Head coach
Jeff Simon

Starting 13

Simon Snell, scrum half
Al Shulners, stand off
Gerg Dinili, right center
David Wells, left center
Falcon Farts, right wing
Vinton Cruze, left wing
Jose' Meldez, fullback
-----------
Thomas Adams, loose forward
Zack Jennings, second row
Loern McCarney, second row
Dannel Sith, prop
Todd Hugh, prop
Xavier Rodger, hooker

Reservist

Joge Rhodney, prop
Brandon Cunnings, hooker
Andrew Lusee, loose forward
Cam Diez, second row
Felipe Sanchez, left wing
Akkad Veli, right wing
Mohammed Gorvile, right center
Ahmeh Tihi, stand off

Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring event:s Y
RP injuries to my players: Y (with in reason)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: N
Godmod other events: Y

[Darmen]

Darmen National Rugby League Team

Manager: Andre Hartman
Assisstant: Vicktor Valineck

Starters:
Carlito Frage-Full Back-Romanopolis Warriors
Dimitru Georges-Right Wing-Romanopolis Warriors
Vicktor Averin-Right Centre-Johnho
Aleks Nevski-Left Centre-Vogler City Rhinos
Daniel Satan-Left Wing-Johnho
Michael Peters-Stand-off Half-Vogler City Rhinos
Peter Baba-Scrum Half-Romanopolis Warriors (CAPTAIN)
Iyada Atiev-Prop-Sterling City Rovers
Ganis Petusen-Hooker-Sterling City Rovers
Nick Korob-Prop-Johnho
Valichek Rudy-Second row Forward-Sterling City Rovers
Max Houtejec-Second row Forward-Tilden Vikings
Andre Tevich-Loose Forward-Vogler City Rhinos

Bench:
Peter Otrouchok-Full Back-Tilden Vikings
Issac Matthiew-Centre-Brady City Giants
Tim Polite-Scrum Half-Scott City Bulls
Maks Loshki-Forward-Tilden Vikings

Style Modifier: +5

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes, Max 1
Hand out red cards to my players: No
Godmod other events: Yes

[Neu Engollon]

"We are excited to have our first International Cup slot and hope to have a respectable showing. Good luck to all the other teams and we look forward to meeting you out on the pitch. The Goats are ready to show their meddle." - Coach Cosento

NEU ENGOLLONIAN NATIONAL SQUAD 'THE GOATS'

Head Coach: Giuseppe Cosento
Assistant Coach: Rolf Mertzen

Starting Thirteen:

1. Marino Riazzi - Fullback (Panoli Dockers)
2. Friedrich Reitzbach - Right Wing (Burgunden Brawlers)
3. Carsten Lichtmann - Right Centre (Ludenthal Wolves)
4. Alexander Renvier - Left Centre (Telleursville Gargoyles)
5. Julien Latrent - Left Wing (Telleursville Gargoyles)
6. Wilhelm Hoerner - Stand Off Half (NEDM Troopers)
7. Horst Emmett - Scrum Half (Ludenthal Wolves)
8. Antonio Uzecci - Prop (Ciavno Alpenhawks)
9. Andre Hertzog - Hooker (Ludenthal Wolves)
10. Conrad Gemmel - Prop (Ludenthal Wolves)
11. Marius Joos - Second Row (Burgunden Brawlers)
12. Benedetto Uzavarro - Second Row (Panoli Dockers)
13. Jean Semmes - Loose Forward (NEDM Troopers)


Reserves:

Backs
14. Johann Dorff (Burgunden Brawlers)
15: Giannaro Caravolo (Panoli Dockers)
16. Hugo Koernsoff (NEDM Troopers)
17. Ernst Urbach (Burgunden Brawlers)

Forwards
18. Felix Marten (Burgunden Brawlers)
19: Silvio Usadino (Ciavno Alpenhawks)
20: Kristof Kriezer (Burgunden Brawlers)
21. Guillaume Venmont (Telleursville Gargoyles)

22. Salvatore Guerrero - Half (Panoli Dockers)
23. Marcel Donette - Lock/Loose Forward (Telleursville Gargoyles)

Style Modifier: +1.5

Uniform: Kit colors: Royal Purple, Gold, Red
Away Kit colors: Royal Purple, Black, Red

HOME

AWAY

Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y, (non permanent)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: N
Godmod other events: Y, Please TG me first for OK

[Hutanjia]

HUTANJIAN NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE SQUAD 'The SPIDERS'

Coach: Jaunders Malaptra
Assistant Coach: Bentley Reraptke


Starting XIII:
# - Name - Position

1. Benson Vitagu - Fullback
2. Harold Nepedku - Right Wing
3. Samson Wakala - Right Centre
4. Antoni Gjemeru - Left Centre
5. Janson Paqate - Left Wing
6. Vladimir Sokota - Stand Off Half
7. Monterrey Apegku - Scrum Half
8. Jean-Luc Tarepka - Prop
9. Francis Yosepgka - Hooker
10. Emmett Jelego - Prop
11. Manuel Edeptka - Second Row
12. Harrison Fengelu - Second Row
13. Stephenson Kaulanga - Lock/Loose Forward


Reserves:
14. Johannes Charopa - back
15. Mitchell Zangaka - back
16. Grendel Lintanu - back
17. Rhys Pentagke - forward
18. Townsend Vagatu - forward
19. Matthew Pitaga - forward
20. Weston Ketsangu - half

Uniform: Kit colors: Maroon, Green, White

HOME

AWAY

Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring event:s Y
RP injuries to my players: Y, Please TG me first for OK
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: N
Godmod other events: Y, Please TG me first for OK

[Paradystopia]

The Painted Warriors of Paradystopia
Paradystopia's National Rugby League Squad


(The Kits; Home on the left, Away on the right.)


Starting XIII
(note: One of the first coaches of the Painted Warriors; Joshua Pendl, was a known eccentric. A particular quirk of his was an almost pathological triskaidekaphobia. To combat this, he chose to use letters rather than numbers on the back of his team's shirts. To this day, the national team still use this system. Due to it's similarity with 1, 'I' is not used.)

'A' - Fullback - Hjzak Kjnsohn
'B' - Right Wing - Faostjn Mjko
'C' - Outside Centre - Dexter Saul
'D' - Inside Centre - Mjllan Vhena
'E' - Left Wing - Seymour Silversmith
'F' - Stand-Off Half - Klint Sabjr
'G' - Scrum Half - Tobi vol'de Feksolt'ran

'H' - Prop - Rudholph Sjlos
'J' - Hooker - Vihncent Hohlbard
'K' - Prop - Doyle Merryweather
'L' - Second Row - Jonni Verduchy
'M' - Second Row - Ljh Zahl
'N' - Loose Forward - Valantjn Przepjra

Substitutes/Reserves:

'O' - Centre - Jefferey Iron
'P' - Wing - Gregory Blossom
'Q' - Full Back - Keat vol Goht'salbri
'R' - Stand-Off Half - Brooks Zaltz
'S' - Prop - Mervin Knilsbie
'T' - Second Row - Konstanin Szuuk

Coach - Kjn Gortis



(The Paradystopi National Rugby Logo)

RP Permissions: No deaths or career-ending injuries without TG confirmation, all else fine.

[Farfadillis]

OOC: Any accusations that I ripped my format off Saugeais' are completely unfounded.

Farfadillis' Super Juggernaut-esque Sapient Turtles!

Coach:
Marcos el Mono

Starting XIII:
# - Name - Position - Age

1. Isabel la Gigante que juega al Rugby - fullback - 22
2. Juán Pablo el Grande - right wing - 34
3. Antonio el no tan Grande - right centre - 28
4. José Ismael el que nunca lleva la Pelota - left centre - 30
5. Gilberto el Lento - left wing - 31
6. Horacio el Rapido - stand off half - 35
7. Sebastián el Tarado - scrum half - 35
8. Ignacio el Alto - prop - 30
9. Anselmo el dueño del Bar - hooker - 28
10. Manuel el que nadie Quiere - prop - 34
11. Fabricio el Intrascendente - second row - 32
12. Fabio el Leal - second row - 35
13. Andrés el ni cerca de ser tan Leal como Fabio - lock forward - 29


Reserves:
Juana la Loca
Felipe el Octavo
and many, many more....

Farf rugbiers all name themselves differently after becoming proffessionals. They name themselves with something that's like a big characteristic of themselves. However, the use trascends informal language and often gets to newspapers. Even to the extent that the players forget their last name. Also, as they're all Farolerans, all the names are in Spanish.

Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
....
Yes to all.

[Ancharmunn]

Ancharmunn national rugby league team

*Number, position, name, age, club

Starting 13

1. Full back: Cole McCauley, 31, Rushmore Port
2. Right wing: Brendan Murphy, 29, Ballyfeeaknock Docklands
3. Right centre: Oran O'Shea, 30, Ballymairead Rovers
4. Left centre: Lonan Brady, 26, Rimsyleanus Brewery
5. Left wing: Cóemegin Ó Donnabháin, 29, Air Force
6. Stand-off: Dougal MacNamara, 32, Rushmore Port
7. Scrum-half: Darragh Williamson, 27, Rushmore Port
8. Prop: Ieuan Howells, 29, Portmageed
9. Hooker: Seosamh Ó Sirideáin, 25, An Hoileánaigh
10. Prop: Cahill Brannigan, 30, Rushmore Port
11. Second row: George McGlinchy, 32, Caernankry Miners Welfare
12. Second row: Malachy Quinn, 31, An Hoileánaigh
13. Loose forward: Jarleth McCarthy, 28, Sayercooan Southerners

Interchanges (any four from)

14: Full back: Tiernan O'Sullivan, 24, Ballyfeeaknock Northern
15: Winger: Eibhlín Ó Ruairc, 22, Rushmore Port
16: Winger: Maeleachlainn Ó hÉalighthe, 24, Ballymairead Rovers
17: Centre: Lonan Smith, 25, Caernankry Miners Welfare
18: Centre: Brân Loyd, 17, Porthmageed
19: Stand-off: Bríon Ó Fearghail, 25, An Hoileánaigh
20: Scrum-half: Iarfhlaith Mac Liam, 22, An Hoileánaigh
21: Prop: Dylan Owen, 30, Porthmageed
22: Prop: Enda Casey, 22, Air Force
23: Hooker: Donal Reid, 19, Army
24: Second row: Rory Kavanagh, 24, Rimsyleanus Brewery
25: Second row: Finnén Mac Mathúna, 21, Caernankry Miners Welfare
26: Loose forward: Bryan Buckley, 26, Caernankry Miners Welfare

Head coach: Cóilín Ó Cearmada



Choose my pointscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players Y
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players Y
Other: Pretty much anything goes. Apart from doing sensible things. Or coaches stabbing anyone.

[Michael VII]

Michael VII National Rugby League Team
Nation: Michael VII
Abbreviation: MIC
Nickname: Flames
Style Modifier: -1.5

Starters
Fullback Michael Fernandse, 26, Western United
Left Wing Andre Fleming, 29, Bay Hawks
Left Centre Gareth Nuyt, 41, Riverside Falcons
Right Centre Brian Madse, 35, Jagoza Kings
Right Wing Nathan Cummings, 22, Frbiba Sharks
Five Eighth Jerry Honning, 30, Frbiba Sharks
Half Back Jonathan Anderson, 26, Frbiba Sharks
Left Prop Jack Ruging, 27, Riverside Falcons
Hooker Ahmed Alder, 27, Frbiba Sharks
Right Prop Brett Vaberhute, 25, Bay Hawks
Second Rower Kacey Yellow, 32, Riverside Falcons
Second Rower Rick Goeher, 22, Bay Hawks
Loose Forward Andy Haden, 32, Western United

Interchange
Winger Lelia Fa'atou, 29, New Schmejgland
Loose Forward Lance Meketo'a, 32, Bay Hawks
Utility Back Harold Garner, 37, Riverside Falcons
Front Rower Fred Carter, 25, Frbiba Sharks

Reserves
Utility Back John Behrer, 25, Bay Hawks
Utility Forward Karl Lei, 17, Riverside Falcons
Utility Back Zach Jude, 22, Frbiba Sharks
Utility Back Gerald Curte, 20, Riverside Falcons
Half Back Frank Carter, 28, Jagoza Kings
Second Rower Sean Davey, 37, Western United
Hooker Marcus Deville, 24, Bay Hawks
Fullback Dennis LaMarche, 19, Jagoza Kings
Centre Kenji Farshall, 30, Riverside Falcons

[Mapletish]

Team Mapletish For Rugby League World Cup XI
Nation Name : The Mapletia Unida Of Mapletish
Short Name : Mapletish Union,UM
Demonym: Maplish/Mapletian
Team Nickname: The Rugby League Lions
The Supporters: The Liga Kop
Style Mod : 0

TEAM KIT -

The Team Preview
Like any other sport in Mapletish, participating in an international tournament, a major reshuffle or revamp has been made in order to preserve the quality of the squad and of course the sport on the home soil of Mapletish. The Mapletish Sports Federation has made every effort to ensure that the changes made are as of up to the quality of the supporters who should be kept entertained when the team plays their matches and in their tournaments. Therefore a major reshuffle has also been put forward to the Rugby League and to the Rugby Union team, however the Rugby Union team has postponed international participation till the next cycle of the Rugby Union World Cup.

As the Rugby League World Cup cycle kicks off, fans will be expected to have a good view of the new and re-made Rugby League national team which will see a new style of play and a better management committee, as part of the Mapletish Sports Federation's effort and to ensure that the funding going into the disciplines of the different sports are not thrown into the drain, at the very least producing results will be one of the main objective of any Mapeltish international sporting team putting on a fight on the international sporting scene for Mapletish itself.

The newly revamp team will make their next official appearance into the Rugby League World Cup scene with a bang from here, as the newer and more efficient team is right up from the previous team that participated in the Rugby League World Cup two cycles ago.

Starters

Backs

Full Back - Francisco Dean
Right Wing Three-quarter - Christmas Eldred
Right Centre Three-quarter - Leith Derick
Left Centre Three-quarter - Shaw Casimir
Left Wing Three-quarter - Danny Denali
Stand-Off Half or Five-Eighth - Jay Gerry
Scrum Half - Desmond Roshallow

Forwards

Prop - Hewie Sigmund
Hooker - Quinton Cuthbert
Front Row Forward - Haydn Redd
Second Row Forward - Wallace Owen
Second Row Forward - Nicky Royce
Lock Forward - Everett Basilio

Interchange

All Rounder - Billie Haroldo
All Rounder - Layton Scottie
All Rounder - Gerald Zache
All Rounder - Julio Trey

Reserves

Utility Back - Wilton Keshaun
Utility Back - Jorge Grady
Utility Back - Tyrrell Celso
Utility Forward - Nico Barrie
Utility Forward - Kurtis Goyo
Utility Forward - Cliff Harding
Hooker - Diffile Timothy
Front Row Forward - Walter Timothy
Utility Centre - Conor Marcus
Right Wing Three-quarter - Talbot Rishaw

Head Coach : Zachariah Jeff
Assistant Coach : Konnor Abner Keaton

Choose my pointscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players Y
Hand out yellow cards (bad box) to my players Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players Y
Other: Pretty much anything goes. TG me before you try to attempt something crazy, I need the details too but don't go around killing my players, or I will come after you and nUUke your country out of the blue ...

[Green Jello Salad]

The field is now set at 35 teams. Pairings and stadium assignments for first-round matches are in this post. Good luck to all!

[Polar Islandstates]

The Federation of Polar Islandstates Rugby League Team

Rugby league is by some way the smaller of the two main rugby disciplines played in the Federation - the reformed national league isn't that far out of its infancy really - but the fans are keen, and the players passionate, and following an encouraging showing at the last tournament, they will be looking to make good progress here. Players are predominantly chosen from the strongest states at it in the nation, with the state of Landt Sibir dominating. Though for those who RP a domestic league championship, all of the domestic-based players are in the shop window should you be interested.

Style Mod: +5
Long drawn out tactical grinds are for Union, players in the Federation that opted for League have done because they love to attack.


Head Coach: Sammi Poulsen

Starters
1. Oscar Johansen - Full Back - 23 - Drattenburg Wasps (Cyborg Holland)
2. Rock Mikhail - Right Wing - 31 - Northbrook
3. Alessandro van Umman - Right Center - 29 - Landt Sibir
4. Pieter Diedrich - Left Center - 30 - Northbrook
5. Enkel Hahn - Left Wing - 32 - Northbrook
6. Sol Wessersen - Stand Off - 34 - Aleutia
7. Maarten Karklins - Scrum-half - 26 - Norscelt
8. Parker Stein - Prop - 35 - Northbrook
9. Achilles - Hooker - 28 - Landt Sibir
10. Bahn Technik - Prop - 31 - Landt Sibir
11. Petter Samuelson - Second Row - 31 - Svalbard
12. Jan de Gruyl - Second Row - 30 - Landt Sibir
13. Elk Hakka - Loose Forward - 33 - Norscelt

Bench:
14. Pekkel Dimen - Full Back - 31 - Axel Heiburg
15. Henning Tata - Right Wing - 33 - Victorrinn
16. Bakary Townsend - Right Center - 29 - Northbrook
17. Sam Henrich - Left Center - 27 - Norscelt
18. Patrick Helm - Left Wing - 27 - Northbrook
19. Petter Hool - Stand Off - 32 - Landt Sibir
20. Hakka Solbeck - Skrum Half - 33 - Kuril Arkhipelago
21. Marian Lege - Prop - 26 - Landt Sibir
22. Thor Mikkelsen - Hooker - 35 - Franz Josef
23. Dominik Katko - Prop - 32 - Norscelt
24. Ekkel ven Birsen - Second Row - 27 - Landt Sibir
25. Parker Silvsen - Second Row - 31 - Kulmsaar and Terra Scotia
26. Sven Helmberg - Loose Forward - 33 - Northbrook

Choose my scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes

[Asteran]

Blue Lions roster for the RLWC:

Head coach: Paul Hammond
Assistant coach: Dan Paul

Starters:
1. Fullback: David Babin (Hamilton Steelers)
2. Right wing: William Sullivan (Kapi Eagles)
3. Right center: Adrian Pierpont (Easts Saints)
4. Left center: Steven DeBerry (Valmiera Tigers)
5. Left wing: Brett Carpenter (Kirano Royals)
6. Five-eighth: Joel Nelson (Hamilton Steelers)
7. Halfback: Luc Lefevre (Carlton Bay Hurricanes)
8. Prop: Frederick Osgood (Newcastle Oilers)
9. Hooker: Jack Bowman (South Kirano Ospreys)
10. Prop: Evan Smith (Hamilton Steelers)
11. Second row: Travis van Amstel (Kapi Eagles)
12. Second row: Serge Chastel (Kirano Royals)
13. Lock: Dan Taylor (West Kirano Panthers)

Interchange: (use any 4)
14. Frederic Grellier (Hamilton Steelers)
15. Quentin McConnell (Mara Dragons)
16. Kyle Lucas (Newport Wasps)
17. Denis Lefevre (South Kirano Ospreys)
18. Peter Carlson (Easts Saints)
19. Brad Langley (Newcastle Oilers)
20. Cyril Lacroix (Kirano Royals)
21. Jay van Ryn (Montrose RFC)

Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring event:s N
RP injuries to my players: Y (within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: Y
Godmod other events: N

[Cyborg Holland]

Dragons gain revenge over All-Green menace

Janlock. Time for change?

@ Municipal Sports Arena, Port Rotterdam (11,642)

A cold, breezy night in Port Rotterdam, and the stage was set for the Cyborg Holland national Rugby league team to get their final revenge over the Darmen side, which knocked the Dragons out of the last world cup, in such cruel circumstances. There was fire in the hearts of the Dragons, and only a win was expected. Peter Janlock got the game off, kicking his cone kick deep into Darmeni hands and they began to run from deep at the determined Cyborg Holland line. The Dragons defenders hit the Darmeni line hard, making several massive hits on Darmen's smaller backs.

Darmen did little with the ball in the first phases, and the Dragons turned it in thier own 20m zone. A superb passing move from Simon Xander, cutting out both Janlock and Laufern, set up veteran centre Aleksander Kottle to break through a Andre Tevich tackle and began the sprint towards the line, but was wrestled to the ground by a sprawling Darmeni Full-back Carlito Frage. The kick was less successful from Janlock, and Darmen easily retrieved it.

It was the All-Greens who almost pierced the fierecly defended Dragons line. A cheap penalty given away by Cyborg Holland sprung Darmeni Stand-off Michael Peters off a run, before looping the pass to Dimitru Georges, and he stepped brilliantly inside Kottle, before making a beeline towards the corner. Only a last minute Wjtek Guren tackle, hurling Georgres into touch before he could touch down on the line.

The first few signs of Janlock's aging physique showed on 21 minutes. A 5th phase kick was sent long by Baba, and Janlock set off to chase it. What would have once been a routine chase, turn and run for the Stand-Off was very different, as Darmeni winger Daniel Satan came storming down the wing and put Janlock under real pressure as he tried to gather the bobbling ball. Thankfully, Grig Jensen was there in support to take the wild pass off Janlock, who was in the procces of being tackled by Satan. He was interchanged shortly afterwards to retain his stamina, which was creaking.

An end-to-end game saw the Dragons almost reach the line, when a 5th phase kick from interchange Robert Halberg set up the giant Jensen, but the ball bounced just out of his reach as he dived to reach it in the in-goal area. The giant young winger was showing all the right signs of becoming the next big thing. The game slowed, as Cyborg Holland couldn't make their possession work, and Darmen were not keen to go into contact with the Dragon players.

Just before the half ended, the Dragons had another chance after Darmen conceeded a cheap reset after Aleks Nevski dropped the ball off an up-and-under off Janlock and it fell into touch. Arguably the best kick of the night from the aging Stand-off. The reset was taken and the ball was shifted down the line to Laufern, who popped the insdie ball to a charging Jacob Ossler, but a hit from Peters caused him to spill the ball over the line. Another missed opportunity from a Dragons side who were beginning to rue missed chances.

Half time, and the fans were wanting revenge...

Janlock's kicking abilites came under scrutiny when he decided to kick a 32-yard penalty goal to try and get the scoreboard ticking. He kicked the ball well enough, perhaps it was the wind, but the ball landed 4 or 5 feet out to the right, a problem which he'd had at the beginning of his career. Was time for the greatest Cyborg Dutch rugby league player over? Maybe.

Finally, after 53 long minutes of waiting and battering at the All-Green line, the Dragons scored a valuable touch-down. It came off a Grig Jensen break. He cut in off his wing to recieve the scissor switch from Xander before crashing through, or over, a petrified Peter Baba and into space. He made 35 yards, before shifting a long ball over to Janlock, who'd managed to keep up, and he plopped over the line in the corner, much to everyone's jubilation. The old dog could still score tries, but a lot of the congratulations have to go to Grig Jensen for his superb run.

However Janlock missed the conversion.

The Darmeni's were tiring, but by no means less deadly, and they almost struck their way back into the game after Guren missed a bounce, and managed to wrap his arms around the legs of a quickly advancing Satan, who'd reached the ball ahead of him. He was not supported thus did not rise in time, and was penalised for it.

The second try came on 68 minutes rather unexpectedly for the Dragons, and in rather lucky circumstances. 5th pahse and the Dragons were still 20 yards out, but Halberg spied a cross-kick to the waiting Jensen. The ball was skewed slightly and was heading out towards the posts. Darmeni full-back Frage stood to the right of the sticks, ready to take the ball. But it bounced off the posts, and bounced straight into the arms of Jensen. He can't be stopped, as stopping him is like stopping the 10:32 to Amzterdam, and he cross the line under the posts, and Halberg converted.

Halberg added another penalty before the time was up, but more importantly, Cyborg Holland had gained their first win over the All-Greens, and had their revenge over the Darmenis...for now...

[Free South Califas]

Style -2.8

Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: Y
Godmod other events: N

Without an organized league or any significant experience in the international game, el Diezcondado does not have the same reputation of discipline and improvisation as the federal soccer team - nor any reputation, in fact. Since a team with so little experience was considered unlikely to gel together and score consistently, the League Football Assembly voted for a manager who promised to whip the defense into shape by the first matchday. As everything in the sport is completely untested in FSC, disaster is extremely likely. Given the history of federally-organized sports, though, it's an improvement that they got around to hiring a manager by the time of the first tournament. Credit the 'Califan Miracle', the economic trend in which GDP boomed by 212% after a balanced free-trade resolution in the WA General Assembly called a theoretically flexible World Development Foundation to order and began issuing voluntary financial insurance programs with structural adjustment conditions in developing nations. Califan voters were always suspicious of the proposal and mandated the Federal WAGA Detachment to lodge its vote against it, while supporting its author's remarkably progressive and realistic Minimum Income Act which is currently working through the system. Fresh kits and updated exercise equipment aside, Califan league-football is likely to struggle amidst the more established nations. Luckily, we face newcomers Bongo Johnson first, and we'll see where the Koparvagur system takes us from there.

In a consensus resolution with no practical effect, League Football Assembly voters also expressed their confidence in the Koparvagur method and their excitement to see the system grow in popularity. Pundits have begun speculating on whether the resolution, which passed with flying colors among a small, experimental team and its relatively scant fans (still a large number in international terms), will inspire similar legislation regarding other international tournaments and kick off debates about organizational structures in the federal sporting community.

Starting Backs				County
1 fullback	Lilly Brasher		Los Angeles
2 right wing	Gjon Trujillo		Ventura
3 right center	Beathan Yngve		Santa Barbara
4 left center	Van Feingold		San Diego
5 left wing	Nasrin Zyma		Orange
6 five-eighth	Madlyn Barakat		San Diego
7 scrum half	Serafino Hermann	San Diego

Starting Forwards
8 prop		Eerikki Mariya		Imperial
9 hooker	Akoni Arendse		San Diego
10 front row	Eduard Wentrcek		Riverside
11 second row	Kent Farmer		Kern
12 second row	Bret Winchester		Los Angeles
13 lock fwd	Sam Jehlicka		Orange

Backups
Loredana Nkruma 			San Diego
Stepanek Blanchet			San Bernardino
Nadya Nizar				Los Angeles
Corradino Zuñiga			San Diego

Manager: Maximillian Rigo (San Diego County)
Staff TBD

[Polar Islandstates]

Sammi Poulsen folded his arms and watched his team training. Tackling and passing exercises were being executed swiftly and successfully by the players, dodging and jumping and catching, turning, taking a tackle, rolling it out, stepping forwards and picking another ball up, passing, returning to the back of the other queue, repeat. It was almost hypnotic to watch, and as the speed rose so did his spirits. Polar Islandstates were the defending champions, as odd as that may sound given the amount of media attention given to the sport in recent years, and they had a reputation to uphold as a result. It had also made Poulsen's squad selection rather easy, taking the same squad members as before, no matter how 'experienced' the little rugby league press there was in the country considered them to be.

As Poulsen watched, Oscar Johansen got his boot caught in the cuff of Enkel Hahn's jersey as he attempted to jump over him, sending Johansen sprawling painfully onto the turf. It looked like the young full back had landed awkwardly on his wrist, and as he hobbled out of the exercise wincing slightly, Poulsen waved the medal team over to take a look at him.

'Huh. Medical team.' said Poulsen to himself as he watched on with concern from his vantage point. How far the game had come on in just the past twenty years was astounding. When Poulsen himself had been a player up in Aleutia, he was lucky to have someone make him a drink at the end of a game, let alone having a medical team at his beck and call. Sprains and bruises had to be dealt with solo, broken bones were just an inconvenience that one had to do his best to get over as soon as possible. Then there was the wages, or rather, the lack of them. Poulsen was lucky if he had his travel expenses paid for in a bad season, let alone be paid for representing his state - then, nation - of Aleutia. The idea that he now got paid a handsome sum to coach the national team was still something that surprised him from time to time.

Magic sponge applied, Johansen re-joined the exercise. Poulsen raised his eyebrow. Johansen would be off to Cyborg Holland to play for their league champs after this tournament - another new development in the world of Polarian rugby league. Poulsen once had to be sent to the terraces rather than the sin bin in one of his matches as a youngster - the metaphorical 'naughty step' substituting in for the absence of a proper team bench. He could only have dreamed of playing his rugby abroad when he was younger.

But hey, the times there were a-changin'.

The Polar Islandstates Rugby League team had a title to defend, and it was Poulsen's job to make sure they did so. First up, Inis Arglidd. Poulsen stood up and strode forwards, barking orders as he did so.

"Parker! Not fast enough! Pieter you need to be faster with the snap of your wrists in the pass! Dominik you're not tight enough in the tackle! Pekkel! Get closer to th-..."

[Asteran]

"Welcome to The Rugby Show on ABC Sport, I'm Francois LeToux. Quite a bit of news to talk about today in the transfer market, which we'll get to in a moment. Our top news story is, of course, the announcement of the roster for the Rugby League World Cup. Paul Hammond spoke about his roster before the team's first warmup in Bountiful.

"I wanted to pick a roster of guys that complement each others styles. I thought carefully about all of my selections, and I think that it's a team that will compete for honors on the world stage. I'm pleased with how well they are coming together right now, and we're all excited about the competition."

"Paul Hammond there, discussing his roster for the upcoming World Cup. I'm joined, as always, by Craig Hickson; Craig, what was your reaction when you saw the roster?"

"Impressed with the risks he's taking. Many of these players are young; the oldest is Kyle Lucas, and he's only 30. Hammond's taking a big risk in selecting these players, but it could be a gamble that pays off."

"What players in particular caught your eye?"

"Well, let's start with Steven DeBerry and Quentin McConnell. These guys play for League One clubs that have been finishing mid-table for the last few years. In particular, DeBerry's Valmiera Tigers have been under-performing recently, losing big in the playoff final to Aston. However, it isn't just Hammond that sees something in these guys. Both of them have been heavily linked with top-flight teams in recent days."

"Right. DeBerry is being courted by Hamilton and Kapi, while McConnell has caught the eye of Newcastle and Western Kirano."

"Exactly, so they have potential. I was excited to see van Amstel and Chastel in the lineup, as these guys are fantastic second-rowers. It'll be exciting to see them back together for the first time since their Montrose days."

"Speaking of Montrose, what about 19 year old Jay van Ryn? Is his selection as much a surprise to you as it is to me?"

"Absolutely. I think that a veteran presence would be better suited here than selecting a young player. Even if he only plays sparingly, he's still a liability due to age and the fact that he plays in League Two for a club that was almost relegated."

"And of course, this year's DuPont Medal winner lines up at number 3."

"I am really excited to see Adrian Pierpont play. He was so good for Easts last year and is a big part of why they won the Challenge Cup. He's going to be a great player for this team."

"Alright, thanks for the insight, Craig. The Blue Lions' first match is Saturday, against Warkus from Memorial Stadium in Bountiful. Joseph Jennings and Matt Carson will have all the action at 5:30 AM on Saturday on ABC One, with a replay at 3 o'clock. Turning now to transfer news, Joseph..."

[Paradystopia]

Dearest Journal,

As I write this, I am bound for Green Jello Salad. Bound for the Rugby League World Cup (number 11). 'Excitement' can scarcely describe the myriad of wonderous emotion and pleasure I feel coursing about my veins. I've not slept for what feels like days now (53 hours) and I have a slight headache. I do believe adrenalin is probably sheltering me from the worse of its effects. I just need to be close to the Painted Warriors. I am their lucky talisman and they, my panacea. We need each other.

I left early this morning (5.53am) so as not to wake my family. They don't understand. You understand, my dearest journal. You never question my judgement. I packed light. I have brought a few changes of clothes (21 items), some toiletries (16 items), two book of various fictional literature (2 items) and you, my journal (1 item. 62 items in total, counting the clothes I am wearing, the contents of my pockets and my suitcase). Mr Reevers was most displeased when I surreptitiously dropped a clue into our conversation last afternoon (14.25pm) regarding my plans. I would never have told him outright. He doesn't understand. He said "that would only make things worse". Worse?! Ha. I feel better than I ever have done. Disregarding the headache of course, but that is due to sleep deprivation. It will pass. What a silly old fool Mr. Reevers is.

Anyway, I packed my things (62 items) and left. I walked down the road some distance so as not to be spotted by my family (c.562 metres) and called for a taxi from a phone booth. I despise public phone booths but I needed to conquer several of my little phobias if I was to make it to the World Cup. I dialled using my pencil as always (005-818-828-1) and arranged the pick-up. It was a nervous few minutes (c.11 minutes), dearest journal, as I expected my family to come along the road at any moment. I don't know what I would have done had they turned up. My dreams shattered in the blink of an eye, crushed pitilessly beneath their dirty feet. In retrospect, I had nothing to fear. The taxi arrived and we made for the airport. I ducked as we drove back past the house so as not to be seen. I needn't have worried. It remained embraced in cold sleep. No-one even misses me! Charming!

The airport is a hideous place. Too many people for my liking. We arrived earlier (7.09am) than I had anticipated (7.21am), I had failed to take into account the roads would be clear at that time in the morning. Dammit! I shall address the consequences later. I paid the taxi-driver for their services (mch14~4), neglecting to leave a tip due to the discrepancy between predicted time and actual time (12 minutes). This apparently makes me a 'tight bastard', but I care not for the opinions of some imbecile who merely drives a car for a living. It is a ridiculous occupation. I entered the large glass building. I now had 12 minutes to kill. Dammit!! People were milling about and I tried to position myself in a corner so as to avoid contact. I distracted myself by counting the seconds (691), watching the large airport clock for accuracy. Upon 7.21am, I made my way towards the check-in area.

Dearest Journal, I shall not bore you with the deeply troubling nature of plane travel. Scutinised by security people. They watch your every move, with their eyes and their cameras. They scour your passport to check you look exactly like the photograph. They're just waiting for you to make a mistake before pouncing like a lion on a wounded gazelle. Just like that programme I watched recently (4 days, 8 hours and 15 minutes ago). I tried to ignore them as best I could. The waiting was the hardest part. I'd been unable to schedule how long and the anticipation was killing me. I occupied my mind by tapping my fingers. Playing out the 7 long strings of taps using 5 fingers (78,125 different combinations). This provided an ample distraction. At least I was getting ever closer to the Rugby World Cup. Just had to wait to get on the damn plane!

So here I am (seat F20). On my way to Green Jello Salad but I've told you all this. My phone is off, as is required on a plane and I have no knowledge of whether my family realise I'm not at home, whether they seek to find me or whether they care at all. It's clear they take no interest in my dreams and desires! I may attempt to sleep on the journey. There is no-one in the adjacent seat (seat F19) so I feel safe enough. I will write again when I arrive in Green Jello Salad.

Until then, Adieu, My Dearest Journal.

[Neu Engollon]

ALPEN INTERNATIONAL
TELLEURSVILLE, NEU ENGOLLON

It would be a long flight to get to Green Jello Salad. Rather than train there, The Goats had decided to train on familiar ground as much as possible before heading to the WC. Now they were cutting it a bit closer than they liked, but they'd been able to get the best drilling in of their lives.
Rucks, mauls, dropkicks, knock ons, passes, tackles.
Coach Cosento hoped he hadn't worn them out so much that they wouldn't be fresh for their first match against Coventrinia. But not this toughened bunch, the best of the best of the Alpen Valley league.

He nodded as the men filled into their seats on the chartered RKA (Royal Kingtonian Airways) flight out of Telleursville. They were all quite a bit bleary and he hoped it was just due to the early hour and not excessive carousing. The biggest enemy on the way in would be their knocking back too many Burgunden Breus to lighten up on the plane ride. There was a strict limit of two. Neu Engollonians were a nation of hearty beer drinkers. Rolf Mertzen, his assistant, would help him enforce the limit.

They were all strapped in and taking off. Horst Emmett, Captain of the team, couldn't help himself, but he white knuckled every take off and landing. Renvier and Uzecci were trying to get his attention for some good natured joviality, but he tuned them out. He never heard anything but his beating heart during those crucial minutes of a steep climb or descent.

Coach Cosento looked over as Alex and Tony kept needling at Horst. They were across the aisle from Horst and one row back from him. They made terrified exaggerated faces and started having a conversation with each other talking like little girls.

"I tink I may have wet my knickers, Tony."

"Oo, Awex, wut are we gonna doo?"

"Hey! Knock it off you buffonis! I want a relaxing flight." The Coach gave them dirty looks, but he was trying to stifle laughter.

They landed at Bountiful and had a layover before their short hop to Oxford. During the wait, they eyed the competition as several other national teams were in transit to and from the main capital airport. You could spot a rugger two klicks away.
Rolf herded them away from their intended path to the airport bar and to the gate. They were pumped and getting rowdier by the hour.

Now to get them safely to the hotel without them latching onto a lager or lass.

[Hutanjia]

CHASTILLE, NEVORN, HUTANJIA

The flight out from Chastille was pretty somber as the men pondered their chances against one of the best ranked league teams in the world. It was a bummer of a first qualifying match up, but they would just have to suck it up and deal with it. They had watched some films of the Darmen All Greens in action to get a feel for their play on the pitch, but the true test would be the starting minutes.

They had to give it their all from the get go, for their nation's glory. Besides having a tough first qualifying match, this was the first international showing for Hutanjia. They had plenty of regional match ups over the years against powerhouses like Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. Which should at least help them to make a good first showing.
Hutanjia needed this bad. The war was taking it's toll on the nation. Several of the men had been pulled from their Royal Army Ranger or Marine units by waiver to compete. Coach Malaptra had been given free rein to rebuild and reform the team after a year's hiatus since the start of the civil war.
This international prestige was considered far more important than throwing away good ruggers' lives as cannon fodder on the Cardwithian beaches.

The men contemplated the terror their comrades and family were going through on Nevorn and Nesselberg as they quietly entered Green Jello airspace after several connections.

[Green Jello Salad]

Green Jello Salad "Salad Shooters"
Rugby League World Cup 11

Head Coach: Terrance Davies
Style: -3, clearly defensive

Rugby league is the most prestigious men's sport in Green Jello Salad. Selectors normally have quite a task with a broad selection of TSP Super 20 players to consider, and that task is made more challenging with the increased visibility of the host nation. Everyone wants in more than usual.

The best of the best are Pasgarmises five-eighths Robert Campbell, Woomera hooker Ethan Bell, and veteran captain Kevin Perry from the nation's capital. In an unusual move Davies is also starting standout Woomera five-eighths Brad Moore out of position at halfback.

Usual starting XIII

1-Orson Black, Sørvágur
2-Nathan Duncan, Alice Springs
3-Kevin Perry (captain), Bountiful
4-Art Burns, Bickerton
5-Sean Knight, Polgar City
6-Robert Campbell, Pasgarmises
7-Brad Moore, Woomera

8-Joshua Lloyd, Bickerton
9-Ethan Bell, Woomera
10-Jamie Green, Bountiful
11-Mitchell Hunter, Hyde Park
12-Anthony McKay, Winterhaven
13-Justin Nelson, Bountiful

Available reserves

14-Steve Wilson (F), Scottville
15-Chris Bailey (F), Glomsteg
16-David Kennedy (B), Bountiful
17-Mike Graham (F), New Zion
18-Bill Petersen (B), Pasgarmises
19-Arnie Hines (F), Gagarin-Armstrong
20-Hayden Wood (B), Alma
21-Bill McIntyre (B), Larsen
22-Terry DuPuy (B), Winterhaven
23-Dave Heath (B), Bountiful
24-Jim Hay (F), Woomera
25-Christian Forbes (F), Sørvágur

RP Permissions: Please don't godmod or severely injure my players. Otherwise, enjoy!

[Saugeais]

Rugby Ramblings

Well, it's apparently time for another rugby world cup, and wouldn't you take a wild guess at who gets to cover the lovely game one more time. Not Bob from accounting, not intern Farnell. Oh no no, let's give the rugby coverage to the guy that did it last time. A guy that hates the sport with every fiber of his being. If you haven't guessed by now that I'm refering to myself, you're an idiot, and would probably be better suited at covering rugby than I am.

The 11th Rugby League World Cup will be kicking off in a couple days within the great, flubbery nation of Green Jello Salad. This world cup will be very unique than all the other ones that have comes before it because it will not be employing a standard "group stage to knockout round" format, oh no. The Salad Shooters will be using, for the first time ever, the "Kopavogur Method", a style similar to the Casaran system in which a group of nations get together and play an arbitrary number of matches, in this case, 6 (one of my lucky number for today, how about that). After those 6 matches, the best 9-15 teams (again lucky numbers) will advance to the knockouts rounds and will play until a winner is crowned.

Saugeais enters this tournament ranked 2nd in the world, and will play Ancharmunn_17th in their first match. Even with a heavily aging squad, coach Josef Nevezski claims this is the most experiences squad yet. Well, of course they're experienced. They are all old men against the rest of the field comparitavely. As much as I wish these Hawks get crushed in all of their matches, thus ending my suffering, I think they have the talent, the size, the speed, the...well, everything to make it all the way to the finals. Oh boy, I think my apathometer just hit an all time low. Or is it high?

-Brian Michaels
What is this thing good for?