The 2013 RLWC is coming to an end and to close out the successful tournament, the two favourites will face off against one another at Old Trafford, in front of a sell-out crowd. It is a very awkward time for fans in the southern hemisphere but come 1:30am, there will be two sides ready to do battle for the prize of becoming World Champions. The Kiwis are the current holders of the Cup and it was amid bizarre circumstances that they were able to steal the game away from the Australians in 2008. Despite what is said, the players that remain in the Australian team from that game are sure to be using that as motivation in this match. It was an upset of epic proportions but it unearthed the potential that the Kiwis have when they are together for a long period of time. This is where we see their best football played and it was needed in their last match against the English. In arguably one of the matches of the season, they were able to capture a late victory over the hosts as Shaun Johnson broke the staggered defensive line and crossed for the equalling points. This put him a position to kick the goal to win the match and he completed the task with ease and once the ball sailed between the posts, the Kiwis began preparation for their next match as their likely opponents ran out onto the field. The lead in to this match for the Australians has been relatively uneventful, as they have brushed aside meagre opponents with ease. They lifted to another level last week against the Fijians, a side that they “only” beat 42-2 in the group stages, to destroy them 64-nil. There are plenty of arguments to suggest that this is not the ideal preparation but they can only play what is in front of them and have worked their way into the Final. Now, it will be a matter of which team executes their game plan and makes the most of this opportunity. Both sides are impacted by injuries, although they will attempt to put that behind them as only 80 minutes stands between them and glory, as well as the end to a very long season of rugby league.
Verdict
If last weeks match was anything to go by, this is going to be an epic contest. That effort would’ve undoubtedly taken a lot away from the Kiwis and that will work into the Aussies hands in various ways. Billy Slater is the only question mark that hangs over their head and if he isn’t fit to play, they have a willing replacement in fullback of the year, Greg Inglis to call into his position. If that is the case, the Aussies lose nothing with that move whereas the Kiwis will be hampered by the potential withdrawal of a few of their players. It is hard to go past the Australians here. The Kiwis will lift to another level but what we have viewed from the Australians thus far point to a victory for them. It will be very close though, their opponents have a knack of lifting for a match against their trans-Tasman rivals and that should play nicely into the hands of punters.
Suggested Bet
Australia 1-12 @ $2.75
Bird is the word = Greg Bird FTS and/or LTS @ $21 – Bird has had a relatively quiet tournament thus far but the potential of the Australian attack to play directly at the line opens up the option for him to cross over first. As is the case in the NRL, they like to direct a lot of traffic towards the opponents line and Bird may just find himself as a handy “decoy” runner that ends up with the ball in a try scoring position.
