The cosy rugby league grounds of the Northern Hemisphere are creating terrific atmospheres for players in the Four Nations format. Boutique stadiums, just like Coventry, that deliver a tense match day experience are perfect for the neighbourly head to heads that feature in Round 2 of the tournament. Saturday’s double header sees the trans tasman rivals face off in what could be a tournament final curtain raiser, and England host Scotland.
In addition to the boisterous crowds, here’s what we’re expecting from the two games and what the bookies are offering in Four Nations odds:
New Zealand v Australia
Teams:
New Zealand
Jordan Kahu, Gerard Beale, Solomone Kata, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jordan Rapana, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich (c), Issac Luke, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Jason Taumalolo, Lewis Brown, Martin Taupau, Manu Ma’u, Greg Eastwood, Joseph Tapine, David Fusitu’a (two to be omitted).
There are just two changes to the Kiwis side that beat England in Round 1. Gerard Beale replaces the injured Jason Nightingale, and experienced forward Greg Eastwood comes into the side for the injured Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Thomas Leuluai is fit to play despite a sickening head clash against England putting his place in jeopardy. Eastwood’s impact will be from the bench, which means Adam Blair who was influential against England (and Australia in the tournament warm-up) will move into the starting side.
Keep an eye on Shaun Johnson throughout. He was much better against England but won’t be afforded the same time on the board in this one. He’ll also be asked to make a huge number of tackles if Australia approach him in the same way they did when the teams met in Perth.
Australia
Darius Boyd, Shannon Boyd, Boyd Cordner, Blake Ferguson, Jake Friend, Matt Gillett, Valentine Holmes, Greg Inglis, David Klemmer, James Maloney, Trent Merrin, Michael Morgan, Matt Moylan, Justin O’Neill, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (c), Sam Thaiday, Johnathan Thurston, Aaron Woods
Winger Josh Mansour injured his knee in a training collision with Josh Dugan and will miss the rest of the tournament. Mansour was Australia’s best player against Scotland and his absence gives Blake Ferguson a reprieve. Cooper Cronk is getting a rest which gives Michael Morgan and Matt Moylan the opportunity to press for the bench utility role for the business end of the tournament.
Odds
New Zealand: $3.50 at William Hill and Centrebet.
Australia: $1.35 at Sportsbet.
Prediction
Australia has won this year’s two meetings comfortably, and even though NZ surprised many with their gutsy Round 1 win, are likely to win here again. They look too strong on paper and seem to have got the mental edge back over NZ that they briefly gave up in 2014. Mel Meaning has instilled a humbleness to his team (he’s even making them clean their own changing rooms after games) that is making them even better. Add to it the competition for spots which is making each player hungrier – Val Holmes missing out is a travesty for rugby league, but an indication of how strong Australia are – and Australia are going to be tricky to beat. We have them winning by 8.
England v Scotland
Teams
England
John Bateman, George Burgess, Sam Burgess (c), Thomas Burgess, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Liam Farrell, Luke Gale, Ryan Hall , Chris Hill, Josh Hodgson, Jonny Lomax, Jermaine McGillvary, Mark Percival, Dan Sarginson, Scott Taylor , Kallum Watkins, Elliott Whitehead, George Williams (two to be omitted).
Firebrand James Graham has a medial tear in his knee so hasn’t been included, but in better news, Sam Burgess will play despite a side strain. The other big talking point is Gareth Widdop’s omission. He’s been dropped to give George Williams a chance after coach Wayne Bennett admitted being impressed by the young half in the Super League finals.
Scotland
Danny Addy, Euan Aitken, Sam Brooks, Danny Brough (c), Tyler Cassel, Lachlan Coote, Luke Douglas, Dale Ferguson, Ben Hellewell, Liam Hood , Ben Kavanagh, Kane Linnett, Frankie Mariano, Brett Phillips, Callum Phillips, Matty Russell, David Scott, Lewis Tierney, Adam Walker (two to be omitted).
Ryan Brierley, who left the ground with a protective boot on an ankle, is one of several changes to Steve McCormack’s Scotland side. Others include, Sheldon Powe-Hobbs and Billy McConnachie making way for Frankie Mariano and Brett Phillips. Tyler Cassel, Callum Phillips and David Scott also enter the reckoning.
Odds
England: $1.02 at Betfair.
Scotland: $34 at bet365.
Prediction
England were very polished in the opening twenty minutes of their first up defeat to the Kiwis, but promise counts for little in such a condensed tournament. The hosts now need to beat Scotland this week and world champions Australia to have a chance of winning the tournament. They’ll have the belief to get the job done against Scotland, however it may be their only win of the tournament. England by 28 ($17 at bet365).
