Tonga v Lebanon

Setting the scene Say what you like about the Rugby League World Cup but it's not often you find yourself previewing a clash between these two particular nations. They meet on Saturday afternoon at Christchurch Stadium for a spot in the semi-finals, with Tonga to start the red-hots after stunning New Zealand last weekend. The Cedars not only have an excellent name but they're playing pretty well to boot, putting in a decent effort against the Kangaroos before the predictable ending.

The key men The Cedars aren't short of talent, especially in the key areas. Robbie Farah and Mitchell Moses are injured but will have a crack in any case, the same with hooker Michael Lichaa, who has a foot concern. Should they all get going it gives the Lebanese nice options if they manage to get themselves into the right spots on the field. Michael Jennings returns for Tonga and adds more fire to a back line that was brilliant against New Zealand. Jason Taumalolo and assorted other forwards also appear to have some talent.

It's going to end with ... Tonga softening them up for a few rounds, then dishing out the pain. It could get nasty and a 30-40 point end margin looks completely attainable. The Cedars haven't been short of heart during the tournament. Alas, they are short of giant Tongan forwards.

You should watch because ... Both sides have embraced the tournament in the best possible way and have been rewarding viewers with some high-quality rugby league. The Tongan pre-game ritual has become a viral sensation and given they could be on the way to the final, are the side to watch this weekend. Also, they've never played before. Don't miss history.

New Zealand v Fiji

Setting the scene Saturday night in Wellington gives New Zealand a chance to get back on the horse after a loss to Tonga, although it won't be plain sailing against a Fijian side that has yet to taste defeat in the tournament. Tonga have a few panels on the Bati you would suspect but how rattled will the Kiwis be after being overhauled last time out? They need to get back in the game if they are to be any chance of rolling the Kangaroos in what appears a likely semi-final match-up.

The key men It comes as little surprise that a few heads rolled for the Kiwis. Thomas Leuluai goes from the 17 completely with Danny Levi moving from the bench to start in the No.9 jumper. Te Maire Martin gets the nod at five-eighth in place of Brisbane's Kodi Nikorima. For Fiji, it's the speed men that have done the damage, with Kevin Naiqama, Suliasi Vunivalu and Taane Milne all dangers. Jarryd Hayne has enjoyed his time at five-eighth.

It's going to end with ... New Zealand progressing but not with any particular ease. Fiji have been able to throw caution to the wind in attack and won't change that approach just because it's reached the knockout stages. If the Kiwis are down on confidence and leak a few early, it could make for an interesting conclusion. Fiji aren't short of NRL experience by any stretch and that can only help if they want to see a game out. But surely New Zealand can move on from last week to survive and advance. Surely.

You should watch because ... New Zealand could get tipped out of the tournament. And Fiji look capable of putting points on even the big guns of the tournament.

England v Papua New Guinea

Setting the scene It's a great shame this match isn't in Port Moresby, which tends to appreciate rugby league a bit more than the hardy souls in the self-proclaimed sporting capital of Australia. But Melbourne Rectangular Stadium will be the host of this one as England try to take one step closer to the tournament decider. Wayne Bennett will want them to produce a polished performance as they try to move forward against a PNG outfit that will be spirited and unorthodox at times.

The key men The major inclusion for England is Sam Burgess, who hurt his knee against Australia in the opening match but hits the ground running at precisely the right time. He is their heart and soul and will need this run to be at full tilt should they progress to the next fortnight of matches. The only change of note for PNG sees Ase Boas replace Lachlan Lam at five-eighth.

It's going to end with ... England being a little sore and sorry for themselves but progressing through to a likely semi-final with Tonga, which would be a sensational contest as the Tonga Cinderella story powers along. PNG have played to electric home crowds and have been a genuine highlight of the tournament, although it will end at the hands of an English side that should be far better drilled when the big moments arrive.

You should watch because ... This will probably be a better match than you think. The Kumuls won't lie down easily and England need to be sharp as a tack should they meet the surging Tongans next week.