The final game of rugby league within Australian shores for the years will occur this Saturday up in Townsville. The eyes of the rugby league world will firmly be fixed on the clash between the Kangaroos and Kiwi's. One word on everybody's lips in the lead up to this game though has been motivation, and you cannot help but wonder where the motivation will come from for both sides. It has been said for a while that the Kiwi's struggle to "switch on" for a "one off" game against the Kangaroo's midseason. The only problem heading into this game is now that this is still a "one off" match that is being played at the end of the year. Normally there would be a Four Nations tournament but as their is a World Cup next year, international fixtures have been reduced to allow for extended playing time next year. So the real question will lie on the issue on whether or not this game will be a contest. Both sides are missing a host of players that probably would've played had it been the World Cup Tournament, but the game is what it is. Neither side will want to lose this clash as they have the opportunity to finish their playing season on a high, regardless of how they went for their club side. So "motivation" should not be a problem, that is until one side gets ahead on the scoreboard. It will be great to see two class teams that also feature a host of grand finals players. With no rugby league to watch or talk about, the rumor mill has been running high. There has been talk on everything from "Mad Monday's" to coaching futures involving Craig Bellamy and Tim Sheens. At least this game will give fans a temporary release from all the talk which has gone on. The only sad thing is that there is another long wait after this. This is also the last chance for punters to collect off a rugby league game, so let's aim to finish with a collect...or more!
Australia
There isn't too much to this squad other than there is a few injuries to key players that would otherwise be playing. Josh Morris will make his first start in a Kangaroo jersey on home soil in the centres and will team up along with his brother, Brett. One would think that Justin Hodges would be the player to fill this role but with his injury, Morris gets the chance to show his worth and continue a very impressive season of form. The forwards are completely different and again, players are missing through injury. James Tamou wil start up front with Matthew Scott and Paul Gallen moves back to the second row, while Dave Shillington goes back to the bench. There is a completely new back row as Thaiday, Dave Taylor and Luke Lewis are all out and they are replaced by Gallen, Bird and Myles at lock. After getting no minutes during the ANZAC Test, Daly Cherry-Evans is dropped and the utility role is filled by Robbie Farrah. It is a puzzling selection and one that could probably see Farrah not take the field either, as Smith can surely play the 80 minutes out. New faces on the bench include Tony Williams, Ben Te'o (18th man) and Ryan Hoffman. As state above, a very different looking forward pack.
New Zealand
The Kiwi's are an entirely different lineup from the side that went around in the ANZAC Test Match on their home soil. Again, injury is the main reason behind all of the changes. Players wearing jersey's 2-5 are all out, either through injury or poor form. The Kiwi's have made secret that they are picking their team on form and therefore a lot of players who featured in the Finals series will be rewarded with a start. Sam Perrett is named on one wing, with Gerard Beale on the other. The new centre pairing features two in form players in Krisnan Inu and Dean Whare. Whare will offer plenty and was hot for Manly, while Inu ressurected his career mid-season at the Bulldogs. You would never have picked him to feature in this game, midway through the season, but full credit must go to him. The halves remain the same and really need to gell. Jesse Bromwich is promoted from the bench and Sam Kasiano makes his first start in the NZ jersey and they are the two props. They will have their work cut out for them. Adam Blair has been dropped along with Jeremy Smith, they're replaced by Warriors captain Simon Mannering and Storm monster Kevin Proctor. Blair in on the bench and is partnered by three new faces to this side. Greg Eastwood is back into representative football after a stellar season and he is joined by Ben Matulino and Elijah Taylor. A completely different side that seems to be "blooding" a few youngsters, probably for next season.
Recent History
20th April 2012 - Kangaroos 20 d. Kiwis 12
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Kangaroos $1.16 Kiwis $5.25
Centrebet = Kangaroos $1.18 Kiwis $5.10
Sportsbet = Kangaroos $1.18 Kiwis $4.85
Verdict
It is hard to go past the Kangaroos in this game. They are the side with more experienced players and have the home ground advantage in the very hot and humid, Townsville. It will be a very high scoring game and not the usual close encounters that we have been accustomed to seeing in these battles. Back the Kangaroos to get a dominant win that will exceed the 13+ margin and go close to exceeding 19+.
Suggested Bet
Kangaroo's 13+ @ $1.68
A little bit more? = Kangaroos 19+ @ $2.40 - It is all mentioned in the verdict. If you want more value in your bet, then this is the option that you should be considering.
Try for a First Try = Greg Inglis @ $9 - He is back out to the centres and will give Dean Whare a very good workout in trying to stop him. He has been at his damaging best this season and after a decent rest once the Rabbitohs were knocked out, I like the chances of him scoring in this one.
Good luck!
Scooby
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