New Zealand v Scotland
The Kiwis looked outclassed in the first half of their match last week, but were able to stay within striking distance of the Australian’s. That meant that they had a chance to steal victory away from their opponents in the closing seconds, coming dramatically close as Shaun Johnson crossed the line but was unable to ground the ball. It means that they will need to win this game to assure themselves a spot in the Final and barring a miracle; they should be able to handle Scotland. That being said, for the second consecutive week they were gallant last week in defeat despite being grossly outclassed. The fact that Scotland lead 8-nil until the 27th minute was causing some panic for England. New Zealand have chosen to debut 4 players in this game, David Fusitu’a starting on the wing and Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine coming off the bench. The halves pairing will be the same and Johnson should relish the decrease in defensive pressure that he has felt in the first two matches. The resting of starting forwards Kevin Proctor and Jason Taumalolo decreases the power in the middle, but all players will be out to prove they belong in the team for the Final. The biggest hurdle ahead of the Kiwis is the point’s difference and they currently sit at -5, compared with Englands +25. If they win here by 42-points, they will guarantee themselves a spot in the Final. With that in mind the Kiwis are expected to attack from the opening minute and run up a large tally on their opponents. The average thus far for opponents against Scotland is 45 points, with the Kangaroos scoring the most (52 points) in their opening match.
Suggested Bet
Kiwis 40-60 points @ $2.50
A Kat-a above = Solomone Kata FTS and/or LTS @ $7 – He was the leading try scorer for the Warriors and 9th overall in the league. Kata is a damaging ball runner and will trouble Scotland from anywhere on the field.
England v Australia
England need to win this game if they are to progress any further in this tournament and it appears as though they are faced with a tough task. They were unconvincing against Scotland last week, eventually prevailing 38-12 after being down 8-nil until Elliot Whitehead crossed in the 27th minute. Form that moment; it was one-way traffic although hardly anything for English fans to be excited about. Regardless, they are in with a chance making the Final and will know what is required of them, as the Kiwis fixture will happen the day before. The Australians will pose a difficult task for England, given dominant they looked in their opening two matches. The score line didn’t reflect the difference between the two sides last week and had a few things gone their way at different stages, the Kangaroos could’ve won that game easily. They should’ve been ahead by more at HT, as they controlled the speed of play well and left their opponents lost for answers. The pressure built in the middle was different too and it appears as though England will have a hard time matching them. Sure, they will have a strong pack of forwards that will be up for the challenge that the Australians offer, but they lack the class in the halves and outside backs to build relentless pressure and force mistakes. Having Cooper Cronk return to the Australian team will only increase their chances of winning and provided they do not switch off like last week, we should see the Kangaroos move into the Finals next week against the Kiwis. As for the margin, the England’s defence hasn’t been great thus far in the competition and although they haven’t been punished with points, they will find this game another level altogether. They’re capable but the Aussies should cover the line, but not completely blow them away.
Suggested Bet
Kangaroos -12.5 @ $1.90
Being specific = Kangaroos 13-18 @ $4.50 – If you want more value for your investment then consider this option. In the past 10 wins for the Kangaroos they’ve averaged over 30-points per game and if things go to plan for them, this encounter should be no different.
