That is a pretty scary backline... With Cherry-Evans on the bench, there'll be attacking weapons in pretty well every position.
Aussie have the perenially best league team in the world, so much quality, size and class in every area.
The kiwi's, a bunch of happy go lucky talented buggers who occasionally pull something out of the bag.
This time I see Aussie looking VERY hard to erase the hideous memory of losing the inaugural league WC in their own back yard 4 years ago.
Aussie by 14.
Who gives a crap, league is boof-head ball.
Go the Kiwi's. If they win it will be as a huge underdog and that will be yet another reason to point and laugh at the West Islanders.
England RL would compete with Australia and New Zealand more often if we had a competent governing body. In the forwards we are the match of either - but in the centres and in the half backs the gap is a decade wide, if not longer and those are key positions.
Have to say OZ in this one, I know that NZ always step up their game in these huge contests but the quality of the Roos side is absolutely amazing the backline they have is beyond epic.
It does speak to the old adage of which route in a tournmanent(or playoffs) is the best one. Is it best to be challenged heading to the title game as NZ was last week by England? Or is the route of least resistance, less fatigue but perhaps less intensity better e.g Roos vs. Fiji last week.
I also think Australia have been more consistent throughout the World Cup, while the Kiwis have had moments where they have gone to sleep. Australia's bench also looks stronger, and goal kicking is a fairly even affair. Think NZ will have to take all the points on offer and finish most of their chances, finishing their 6's is vital to keeping the Roos backline on defence and not with the ball.
Oz were denied in 08, I don't think they will be tommorow, Roos by 8-12 points. Close for first hour with final quarter them pulling away.
Sloppy start from NZ, 2-0.
Kicking game surely is very important with a tiny try area.
This match is definitely over now. Not even a contest really. Hope Morris is ok after thhat nasty bang.