New Zealand recovered from an early shock try to overcome Lebanon 34-12 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. It was a performance that saw Joseph Manu steal the headlines with a wondrous second half display, as he established his credentials as one of the most talented players at this tournament.
The Cedars may have lost, but they put in a battling display to disrupt one of the tournament favourites and caused them major problems, especially early on. From the kick-off, they ruffled Michael Maguire’s feathers as the underdogs took the lead with their first set of the match. It was a moment that will be one of the highlights of this World Cup, as New Zealand were utterly stunned by the pace of Lebanon’s start.
Josh Mansour was the man to put his name in lights as the South Sydney winger got on the end of a low kick to put Lebanon 4-0 up. Captain Mitchell Moses added the extras and the scoreline briefly reflected the drama that had unfolded in the early stages.
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New Zealand were 1/66 to win this game before the first kick, yet they found themselves behind. Given the difference on paper between the two teams, it didn’t look likely to last long. In taking a shock lead, Lebanon had angered the beast. Just over a minute later the scores were level as Kenny Bromwich found a yard of space, exploited it, and then battled his way over the line.
It actually turned into an incredibly skilful finish from Browich as he grounded the ball on his back, having avoided touching down before the whitewash. Nelson Asofa-Solomona then came on to impact the game to great effect as he put New Zealand in front, before former Warrington Wolves centre Peta Hiku scored at his old stomping ground to make it 18-6.
Asofa-Solomona then decided to spice up the game even more as he threw Kanye Keleche to the floor in a move more suited to the mats in a judo hall. There was no punishment, but it was a spark point in a fiesty first half that delivered so much action.
The Parramatta Eels duo Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses went to battle in the middle after guiding their club side to the NRL Grand Final, but it was another mega-star that would take all the headlines in the second half.
Wigan Warriors winger Abas Miski got Lebanon back into the game with the first try of the second half, that took them within just six points, but from that point, it was the Joseph Manu show.
The Sydney Roosters man embarked on an absolutely sensational run, managing to keep his feet despite two fierce tackles, to break the defensive line. He’s one of the contenders to win player of the tournament and made the perfect start to his World Cup here. There’s not many players on the planet that could do what he did, as he set up Brown to extend the lead.
If you thought that was good, what he did a few moments later was simply superb. He chipped the ball forward, got on the end of his own kick, shimmied past one player, sidestepped another and then found his way to the try line. He was playing full-back today, but it doesn’t matter where he plays on the pitch as long as he has the ball in his hands.
Adam Doueihi was then sent off out of nowhere for Lebanon before Jordan Rapana crossed in the corner, and the game as a contest was done. This was a tough display from Lebanon, but ultimately the match was taken away from them in two magical moments, both courtesy of Joey Manu.
He’s a special talent and New Zealand will be relieved to come through this opener relatively unscathed. Huge signs of promise for Lebanon, who will be hopeful of securing second place in the group, with games against Ireland and Jamaica to come.
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