Key matches that will determine who progresses to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup knock-out stages Sam Burgess chased by Kangaroos players during Australia v England at AAMI Park in Melbourne. AHEAD of the Rugby League World Cup, we take a look at the key matches which will determine who progresses to the knock-out stages. Sun Oct 27, 12.30am AEDT (11.30pm Sat AEST): Australia v England Australia's first assignment to kick-off the competition is a tough one. Boasting the likes of Sam Tomkins, James Graham, Sam and George Burgess, the Kangaroos face England. The host nation will be desperate to get their campaign off to a flying start after suffering a shock loss to Italy in a trial match. With Australia opting to not play a trial ahead of the competition, the Englishmen are hoping to catch the Kangaroos cold. Sun Nov 3, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Australia v Fiji The Kangaroos' second game of the competition comes in the form of Fiji. Before you look too closely at the match-ups, seeing Petero Civenocieva lining up against his former Australian teammates should be enough to spike your interest. Aside from the legendary forward, dumped Aussie winger Akuila Uate will also be on show, and looking to prove a point. The Naiqama brothers (Wes and Kevin) and the Sims brothers (Korbin, Tariq and Ashton) will also line-up alongside each other for the first time. Mon Oct 28, 5am AEDT (4am AEST): New Zealand v Samoa The defending champions begin their title defence against Samoa. The Samoans boast the likes of Anthony Milford, Antonio Winterstein and Reni Maitua in their side and will be hungry to prove they are not just there to make up the numbers. Kiwis coach Kearney is also on the verge of World Cup greatness. Sat Nov 9, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): New Zealand v Papua New Guinea Built like bricks, PNG have never been one to shy away from a fight. With some handy players in their side like Titans speedster David Mead, Cowboys utility Ray Thompson, Knights backrower Neville Costigan and former Sharks hooker Paul Aiton, the Kiwis will have their hands full. Look out for the battle of the hookers with James Segeyaro going head-to-head with Issac Luke. Mon Nov 11, 3am AEDT (2am AEST): Tonga v Italy Italy knocked off a full strength England squad in a recent trial, making the Italians the dark horse of the competition. Led by premiership winning captain Anthony Minichiello, Italy face the likes of Brent Kite, Sika Manu and Jorge Taufua in what should be an action packed game, which is likely to decide the winner of Group C. Fri Nov 8, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Scotland v USA The United States of America may be known for baseball, basketball and NFL but the Tomahawks had a surprise 22-18 trial win over fourth-ranked France. The Clint Newton-led side also features Joseph Paulo, Eddy Pettybourne and Ryan McGoldrick. Peter Wallace is looking to guide Scotland in the halves while Luke Douglas provides the muscle up front. Rugby League World Cup draw: Tue Oct 29, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Fiji v Ireland Sun Nov 3, 1.30am AEDT (2.30am AEST): England v Ireland Sun Nov 10, 1.30am AEDT (12.30am AEST): England v Fiji Sun Nov 10, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Australia v Ireland Mon Oct 28, 3am AEDT (2am AEST): Papua New Guinea v France Sat Nov 2, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): New Zealand v France Tue Nov 5, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Papua New Guinea v Samoa Tue Nov 12, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): France v Samoa Wed Oct 30, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Tonga v Scotland Mon Nov 4, 3am AEDT (2am AEST): Scotland v Italy Thu Oct 31, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): USA v Cook Islands Mon Nov 11, 1am AEDT (12am AEST): Wales v Cook Islands Sat Oct 26, 3.30am AEDT (2.30am AEST): Wales v Italy Wed Nov 6, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Tonga v Cook Islands Sat Nov 16, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Winner B v Winner C Sun Nov 17, 12am AEDT (11pm Sat AEST): Winner A v Winner D Sun Nov 17, 7am AEDT (6am AEST): Runner-up A v 3rd Place B Mon Nov 18, 2am AEDT (1am AEST): Runner-up B v 3rd Place A Sun Nov 25, 12am AEDT (11pm Sat AEST): Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 3 Sun Nov 24, 2.30am AEDT (1.30am AEST): Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 4 Sun Dec 1, 1.30am AEDT (12.30am AEST): Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2