With only a round of competition, four games, remaining in the 2003 World Cup qualifying stages- there are some nervous coaches in the form of England's Mark Fowler, Papua New Guinea's Jelly Adams, and Roger Bossert of the AA/TSI side. After today's games, all three sides are relying on next week's results to see them in or out of the 2003 finals race.


France Finish on a High
Although it would have taken a mammoth win from the French to knock Papua New Guinea from their top two spot, the French have at least managed to finish their disappointing World Cup campaign on a high, humbling the Cook Islands 28-12 to go home with some credibility. After upsetting Papua New Guinea in round one, the French faltered, and blew an excellent chance at a World Cup finals berth.
Cook Islands: Willie Talau and Tyrone Pau. Paul 2/2
France: Frederic Teixido 2, Gael Tallic, Olivier Sarramea, and Fourcade Abasse. Tallic 4/5
PoM Points: Gael Tallic 3, Olivier Sarramea 2, and Yaccine Dekkiche 1.

Samoa Smash Japanese
With Pool B wrapped up by Ireland and Europe, Samoa had nothing but pride to play for today, but it was more than enough for the mighty Samoans. Playing a defensively stunted Japanese side, the Samoas ran in six tries to one to record a strong 34-6. Samoa have been one of the big success stories of this World Cup, competing in all of their matches, and finishing with a better differential than the Europeans.
Samoa: Brian Lima 2, Anthony Tyan 2, Rowland Rockachelli, and Mills Muliana. Ratudina 5/6
Japan: Toutai Kefu. Tirohara 1/1
PoM Points: Mills Muliana 3, Anthony Tyan 2, and Henry Faafili 1.

Scottish Secure Finals Berth
The Scottish Rugby League team have sealed an historic appearance in the 2003 World Cup finals with an emphatic 26-0 hammering of the Russians. The Scots now await the result of Tonga’s final game against the Russians to see whether they finish 1st or 2nd, with Roger Bossert’s AA/TSI side facing a nervous wait.
Scotland: Dream Waters, Simon Taylor, Alex Synn, and Scott Logan. Wilkes 5/6
Russia: None.
PoM Points: Seamus O’Grady 3, Dream Waters 2, and Simon Taylor 1.

USA Relegate Lebanon to Last
The US Tomahawks have continued thier good form in the World Cup so far, downing Lebanon 26-4 to ensure the Cedars would finish last in their pool. The US next week face Fiji in a game that will decide the makeup of the finals, with Fiji needing a win to shift England out of second.
USA: Mike Mulvihill, Ed Woodbridge, Bill Rhyven, and Brian Urlacher. Opan 4/4
Lebanon: Ray Daher. El Masri 1/1
PoM Points: Cory Sheridan 3, Howard Opan 2, and Christian Rahui 1.


GROUP A
Australia- 4/3/1/0/98/51/+47/ 6 points
Papua New Guinea- 4/2/2/0/68/55/+13/ 4 points
South Africa- 3/2/1/0/55/51/+5/ 4 points
France- 4/2/2/0/0/65/80/-15/ 4 points
Cook Islands- 3/0/3/0/22/80/-58/ 0 points

GROUP B
Ireland- 4/4/0/0/146/44/+102/ 8 points
Europe- 4/3/1/0/94/94/+0/ 6 points
Samoa- 4/2/2/0/76/50/+26/ 4 points
Germany- 3/0/3/0/20/74/-54/ 0 points
Japan- 3/0/3/0/40/114/-74/ 0 points

GROUP C
Scotland- 4/3/1/0/92/56/+36/ 6 points
AA/TSI- 4/3/1/0/81/66/+15/ 6 points
Tonga- 3/2/1/0/82/73/+9/ 4 points
Wales- 4/1/3/0/70/78/-8/ 2 points
Russia- 2/0/2/0/14/44/-30/ 0 points

GROUP D
New Zealand- 4/3/1/0/98/76/+22/ 6 points
England- 4/2/1/1/93/56/+37/ 5 points
Fiji- 3/2/0/1/72/38/+34/ 5 points
USA- 3/1/2/0/58/57/+1/ 2 points
Lebanon- 4/0/4/0/40/132/-96/ 0 points

It was celebrations all round in the Columbo Harlequins camp today after the triumphant return of the french connection. Throughout the world cup the three Harlequins players have played a strong role in a campaign that saw the french win 2 games. This was culminated by the two try performance of Frederick "dinner suit" Teixedo. Teixedo, Pascal "watercolour" Jampy and Rachid Hechiche were all ecstatic about their inclusion in the French national side and were glad to have showed a strong representation for their team.

The celebrations will continue when American tryscorer David Bowe returns. Other noteworthy performances came from Anthony Himmler from the German side and Zane Clarke from the Cook Islands team.

Coach Columbo was well pleased with their efforts and will be glad to see the internationals return to training. "The boys have represented us well, and it is an indication on the quality of the Harlequins that one of our internationals has yet to make the bench. With the inevitable injuries that occur throughout the season im sure Rachid will get his chance to shine."