England vs Australia Rugby League Preview
30th October, 2009
England’s rugby league team can capture a place in the Gillette Four Nations final with victory over bitter rivals Australia at the DW stadium on Saturday.
Tony Smith’s team defeated France in the opening round of fixtures 34-12, while Australia drew 20-20 with New Zealand. If Australia fails to win the chances of them reaching the final on November 14th will be highly unlikely.
England has called up Super League's young player of the year Sam Tomkins and he is eager to put in a stellar performance. The 20 year old scrum-half who plays for Wigan told Sky Sports.
"I was really disappointed not to play against France, but it wasn't with the team selection," he added. "I needed to do a bit more to get into the team.”
Prop Eorl Crabtree will be the only change to England’s squad as he has recovered from minor knee surgery and will start on the replacements bench.
After the draw against New Zealand, Tim Sheens, the Kangaroos coach, is expected to make a number of changes. Forwards, Sam Thaiday and Ryan Hoffman have been left out completely, while Trent Waterhouse and Kurt Gidley have been named on the possible replacements list. However it is believed that they will not make the final seventeen.
Back-rower Luke Lewis, hooker Robbie Farah, prop David Shillington and Nathan Hindmarsh could all make their test debuts.
Sheens also told Sky Sports "I told the guys they had to keep playing well or there would be changes. We want to play a different style against England so there are a number of changes for that reason as well."
To win the test match England is 15/2 with betfair while Australia is 1/6 with sportingbet. The draw is 33/1 with Bet 365.
By Dane
