England have the first of two chances to win the Test series with New Zealand on Sunday afternoon when the two sides meet in the second Test match at Anfield. An iconic stage feels fitting for what should be a belting contest.
England edged out the Kiwis in the first Test in Hull last weekend and assuming that both come on for the run there is plenty to suggest that we could be in for something quite special in front of the Kop.
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England
There were facets of England’s performance last week that they will have enjoyed and then there were areas of concern which they will need to improve on. One thing I think will be rammed home to them is finishing their sets off better with a good kicking game but a makeshift scrum-half makes that a little more difficult. Their defence was in good order which was certainly no bad thing.
England will want to impose themselves up the middle a little better than they did last week. I felt that some of their power was negated but with the series up for grabs they should leave it all out there here. If they can get off to a good start they will be confident of delivering the goods as New Zealand will need to be expansive and take risks.
New Zealand
The Kiwis will have been disappointed to have been edged out in Hull but there were signs in their performance that the run out will have done them good. One or two combinations in that match showed that they are going to go well and another week to fine tune things should see them begin to flourish so I’m expecting a stronger outing from New Zealand here.
The positive for the Kiwis was very much in their defensive play last week. I wondered if they could make up to the huge power that England possess down the middle but there were no real signs of them being too inferior in that department. New Zealand will be looking for a complete performance here to take the series to Elland Road for a winner-takes-all showdown.
Team News
England are going to be forced to make a change with skipper Sean O’Loughlin ruled out of the Anfield clash. Wayne Bennett has already confirmed James Graham as his replacement as captain while Luke Thompson replaces him in the side.
All the key men from the first Test are available to New Zealand which will keep the likes of Leeson Ah Mau and Adam Blair on the bench for the tourists. Shaun Johnson will be looked upon to deliver some special rugby.
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Betting
I was on New Zealand last week and I actually felt hard done by not to collect but I’m not going to desert them here although given that they are much stronger favourites in light of O’Loughlin being out for England, I will change tact with which market I get involved in.
I think the one thing we saw over anything last weekend was how tight these three matches are going to be. There isn’t going to be much between any of them with a bounce of a ball here or a refereeing decision there potentially being the difference. With that in mind I’ll stick with New Zealand to win the match but I will take them to win by a dozen or less.
Tips
Back New Zealand to win by 1-12pts for a 3/10 stake at 2.75 with 888sport
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