<strong>RLWC: Big three on course for epic showdowns</strong>

The Rugby League World Cup is well underway and the most fancied teams have already demonstrated their title credentials.

Australia were the bookmakers' favourites before the tournament started and have reeled off two impressive performances to date.

New Zealand and England were expected to be their main challengers and both look in excellent shape after their first couple of outings.

Read on as we assess each team's chances of success and predict who we think will lift the World Cup trophy at Old Trafford on November 19.

Australia

Australia defeated Fifi 42-8 in their opening game, before recording an emphatic 84-0 victory over Scotland to send a message to their rivals.

Former England star Jamie Peacock predicted Australia would struggle acclimatising to conditions in this country in the run-up to the tournament, but they looked totally at ease in Coventry.

The Kangaroos have won the world title on 11 previous occasions and will rightly fancy their chances of emerging victorious this time around.

Mal Meninga's side are supremely talented and it would be a brave move to back against them seeing off New Zealand and England over the coming weeks.

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New Zealand

New Zealand eased past Lebanon in their first match, before notching 13-tries in a one-sided 68-6 victory over Jamaica on Saturday.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored four tries including a hat-trick inside the first 19 minutes to perfectly showcase his fearsome scoring potential.

New Zealand have won the World Cup just once, but will firmly believe they can improve that record given the talent at their disposal.

They are on course to meet Australia in the semi-finals and could cause them plenty of problems if they produce their best form.

England

Peacock tipped England to win the tournament before it started and he will be pleased with what he has seen from the team to date.

Shaun Wane's side demolished Samoa 60-6 in their first match, before securing a 42-18 win against France on Saturday,

Wane was a little frustrated that his team took their foot off the gas in the first half, but they stepped things up after the break to blow France away.

England have a relatively favourable route to the final and may be tough to stop with the backing of a partisan home crowd at Old Trafford.

RLWC Prediction

Australia are worthy favourites to win the world title for the 12th time, but they may not have things all their own way.

They are expected to meet New Zealand in the semi-finals and there is no guarantee they will overcome their local rivals in that encounter.

England should have little difficulty progressing to the final and are the value bet to end their long wait to be crowned world champions.

With the clash between Australia and New Zealand likely to a brutal encounter, England can take full advantage and claim a famous victory in Manchester.