Peacock: Intimidating atmosphere could help England win RLWC

Former England and Great Britain star Jamie Peacock believes home advantage may play a crucial role in the outcome of this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

The month-long tournament culminates with the final at Old Trafford on November 19 and England could be one of the teams battling to lift the trophy.

Shaun Wane’s side have made an impressive start to their campaign, defeating Samoa and France in their first two group games.

A victory over Greece next weekend would send England through to the knockout stage in a confident mood for the tougher tests that lie ahead.

Australia or New Zealand are England’s most likely opponents in the final and both teams are unbeaten after their opening two fixtures.

Despite this, Peacock believes that the southern hemisphere giants may buckle under the pressure of playing in front of a partisan crowd if they face England.

He also thinks the change in climate could impact their performances when the tournaments reaches its latter stages.

“The weather is vastly different to what you get in Australia over here,” said Peacock. “It’s gloomy, miserable and rainy.

“On the other hand, when we played in the World Cup in Australia, we played in 35-degree heat and 100 per cent humidity.

“Secondly, the intensity of the crowd is different in England. All players mention when they’re playing here how loud, vocal and intimidating it can be.

“Thirdly, I think it’s just touring. Touring is difficult, right? You have good times, but to stay professional for nine to 10 weeks brings challenges. You’re 12,000 miles away from home.”

England’s victories over Samoa and France have sparked talk that they could finally end their long wait to be crowned world champions.

They have reached the final on three previous occasions (1975, 1995 and 2017), but are yet to get their hands on the prestigious trophy.

By contrast, Australia have featured in 14 of the 15 finals that have been staged, and have been crowned as champions 11 times.

While they are strongly fancied to add another title to their tally, many pundits believe England have the talent to knock them off their perch.

The home nation boasts a massive pack of forwards, while their flair players have the ability to unlock even the tightest defensive units.

Versatile St Helens star Jack Welsby is amongst an exciting crop of England rugby players who have been tipped to make a major impact at the World Cup.

Welsby was excellent against Samoa and followed up with another superb display as England roared away from France in the second half of their game on Saturday.

Peacock, who won the Player of the Tournament award at the 2000 World Cup, believes Welsby could emulate his feat this time around.

“I think Jack Welsby could be a player that, if England play well and go deep into the tournament, will be talked about,” added Peacock.

“I watched him play in the Grand Final and thought he was outstanding in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

“I think he’s got all the capabilities to make a big impression. He’s such a natural, instinctive player and he sees opportunities in games that other players don’t.”