Australia v NZ

Pretty much spot on from Fletch here as Australia ran out 34-19 winners over their Tasman rivals, with totals points easily breakig the 42.5 mark.

Australia v New Zealand, 11am Saturday

Firstly last week which was a poor to mixed bag. For the South Africa v Australia game we did note that the thrid game on tour can be a hard one often in the Super 14, and therefore Aussie would be a hard test for the Boks and we wanted to trade against the scorers. This worked a little but Aussie won well in the end as SA just ran out of puff and ideas.

At least we knew what was likely though. And this meanms the Aussies are full of confidence this week for the first big one of the Antipodes.

Stirling Mortlock is out for the Wallabies but Ryan Cross – a hard tackling ex-league man from Perth is in. He should not leave a gap but may not be as direct a threat as Mortlock in midfield.

The battle zone here though is the front row which the AB’ are stronger – albeit not in depth – and the backrow which could easily be an Aussie heaven as Richie McCaw is still out and George Smith, Rocky Elsom and co are in magnificent form.

So much of this depends on how strict the ref is. I just cannot back NZ at 4/6. They showed too many weaknesses against SA in their defeat two weeks ago and Aussie know their game as their coach Robbie Deans is a Kiwi.

My thoughts here are to watch and trade as Aussie can beat the All Blacks in Aussie – Melbourne last year – and NZ are less than they were and Aussie more. Instead my main thought is a back of total points at 42.5 at 10/11 if the weather is good. Defenses will be tight but still I fancy there will be errors and chances.