Four Nations Final – New Zealand vs Australia Preview
Overview
So here we are, the Four Nations final for 2014. It has taken six exceptional games to get here, and the teams contesting the finals are the two we had all penciled in to do so. The only difference with most people’s tips is that the Kiwis are the only unbeaten team in the competition and not the Aussies.
Most will know how these two teams made it to Wellington, but for those people just jumping on the bandwagon this week, here is a little run down for you.
Samoa came so close to beating England in the first game of the tournament, only to run out of steam and blow. That much was followed by the Kiwis beating the shit out of the Kangaroos in a result no one, not even Stephen Kearney saw coming. From there, the Kiwis played their get out of jail free card against Samoa who perhaps blew their chances late again, while across in Melbourne, the Kangaroos used their get out of jail free card against England.
In the final round of pool play, the Kiwis and England gave it to each other as was predicted in a superb 80 minute spectacle of Rugby League, while the Kangaroos finally clicked into gear and sent Samoa home with two close losses and an ass-kicking.
So who will be crowned the 2014 Four Nations champions? Can the Kiwis do the unthinkable and beat the Kangaroos twice in a tournament, or will then Kangaroos set the balance of international league back in their favour?
Players to watch
Issac Luke – This is one man who will be absolutely chomping at the bit to get his feet on the field come Saturday night. Forced to miss is NRL clubs historical premiership victory, and then a couple of weeks later his countries historical Four Nations victory must hurt. Don’t be surprised if Luke gets too excited and dumps someone on their head. He will bring some extra speed around the ruck for the Kiwis. Back him in for a try too.
Dylan Walker – We could select someone here that might turn the game like G.I. or Cooper Cronk, but that would be unfair to Walker. His ability to be selected in every match this tournament is unreal, especially with the quality, or lack of quality he has produced. He is only averaging 66m per game and hasn’t provided any points. He will either explode in this game, or his test career could be over.
Result and score prediction
Sometimes in life you find yourself at a crossroads and you are forced to make a decision. All season we have been making tough calls on matches, and I think you’ll find it you trawl back through those results we have been spot on about 96% of the time. So this week we are certainly well prepared and well authorised to make the big call.
It is important to know that in the last two games between these two teams, the winner has taken the second half 18 – 0. Why is that important? Well if you are having a tough week pay wise, perhaps you should consider a bet that is the complete opposite of this down at your local TAB. Why you ask? Well it is simple. This will be a tightly contested match, one which the Kiwis will win by 1 – 7.
Most likely to hurl some abuse
Having been in the thick of it lately, Paul Gallen should make sure his phone or computer is nowhere near him when he takes this game in from his couch in the Shire. If the Kiwis get up, or someone give the Angry Bird a swinging arm you can be sure the couch coach Gal will be hurling abuse amongst other things at his TV and perhaps even Twitter account.
Most likely to score the match winner
Like he did for New Zealand in the World Cup semi final last year, Shaun Johnson will be the one who steps up for the Kiwis in this game. Whether it be a solo try, drop goal from 40 or he takes a high-shot to the face and gets awarded a penalty, Johnson will be in the thick of it come the dying stages in the game. He is Magic Johnson after all!