Rugby League World Cup rocked by 'embarrassing' scenes

The Rugby League World Cup has opened in farcical fashion, with tournament organisers forced to apologise for an embarrassing situation during the opening ceremony in England.

The hosts kicked off their tournament in style, with England romping to a 60-6 win against a powerful Samoa side at St James Park in Newcastle.

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However, the same couldn't be said for the pre-game entertainment as British rock band Kaiser Chiefs' set was plagued by technical issues.

Expecting to be singing his band's hits, lead singer Ricky Wilson was forced to take matters into his own hands when the PA system around the ground failed.

The iconic ground of Premier League giants Newcastle United was plunged into silence because of the technical failure, with Kaiser Chiefs only able to perform one song.

Instead, their front man took to sprinting up and down the touchline just to raise spirits as the show was brought to an abrupt and farcical end.

The hugely-anticipated opener ended up kicking off over 10 minutes late, leaving former England international Jon Wilkin complaining on the BBC: "I wonder, at the Olympics would you chuck the opening ceremony before the 100m final? You can say it's funny - but it's not."

"RLWC2021 would like to sincerely apologise for the disrupted Tournament Welcome, which was severely affected by technical failure," read a statement from the organisers before England's big win raised the spirits of home fans.

"It wasn't the start we wanted but we would like to thank fans for their patience and for continuing to celebrate the teams and the tournament."

Tournament CEO Jon Dutton also added: "I take personal responsibility. I'm devastated."

Prior to the unfortunate mishap, Rob Burrow had got the tournament off to an emotional start when he'd launched the welcome event in Newcastle.

The former Leeds and England halfback, who is battling motor neurone disease, received a rapturous welcome from the 43,000 crowd.

He was in the main stand at St James' Park accompanied by his parents Geoff and Irene, to watch the parade of the flags representing all 32 teams across the men's, women's and wheelchair competitions.

Kaiser Chiefs took to the pitch as the headline music act and got through their hit 'Oh My God' before former England captain Kevin Sinfield and dual-code international Jason Robinson brought out the Paul Barriere trophy, awarded to the winners of the men's competition on November 19.

England make statement in huge win over Samoa

When the action did finally get underway, it was underdogs England that fired the first big warning shot with an emphatic victory over the highly fancied Samoa.

Many expected Samoa to stun the hosts in the tournament curtain-raiser, but a team featuring several players who featured in the NRL grand final two weeks ago failed to deliver.

An early penalty from Tommy Makinson put England ahead before Jack Welsby went over for the tournament's first try.

Dom Young crossed for a stunning double to give England a measure of command they never relinquished despite Izack Tago's interception score.

Stephen Crichton saw a try ruled out by the video referee before half-time but Samoa never threatened thereafter.

Indeed, an ill-disciplined performance allowed England to coast home.

Kallum Watkins scored England's fourth try and they ran riot after Samoa's Anthony Milford was sin-binned.

Herbie Farnworth crossed, Elliott Whitehead added a quickfire double and Makinson brought up the half-century when he converted his own try on the left sideline.

George Williams and Tom Burgess had the final say form Shaun Wane's side, who are in the box seat to win Group A, with games against France and tournament debutants Greece to follow.

Tournament favourites Australia followed England's big win with a 42-8 flogging of Fiji.

with agencies

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