The exciting Test series between England and New Zealand draws to a close in front of a packed out Elland Road on Sunday when the two sides meet for the third and final time. England have already won the series but there is no such thing as a dead rubber in international rugby league.
England will be going in search of a series whitewash in the heartland of Yorkshire while New Zealand will be out to get something for their efforts which few could argue that they don’t deserve to be fair.
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England
Full credit goes to England for holding their nerve in the series. I wouldn’t say for one minute that they have been at their best or dominant for both the matches but they have held their nerve well, stayed strong in defensive areas and then when the crunch times have come along they have showed their worth and come through on both occasions.
We have seen a different side to England in many ways so far in the series. To date they haven’t really exploded in their attacking play, which is what England are famous for, but what they have shown is a fantastic defensive set up and have been hard to break down. With the series won it will be interesting to see if they give the ball a little more air here.
New Zealand
I would imagine New Zealand are wondering how on earth they have not won at least one of the two matches so far in the series if not both of them. The answer would be that they have not finished off the matches particularly well. They could argue that one or two refereeing decisions haven’t helped them but from the hour mark in they have been found wanting.
If New Zealand are to get something from this final match of the series then they either need to come out of the blocks taking a few risks to build up a bit of an advantage or they need to leave themselves something in the tank for the final quarter of the game. I expect to see New Zealand come out and look to offload at every opportunity here.
Team News
England have been forced into four changes for this match with injuries ruling out Sean O’Loughlin, Daryl Clark and Sam Tomkins while George Burgess begins a suspension. Stefan Ratchford comes into the side which could push Jonny Lomax into the halves.
New Zealand could send the same 17 into battle for what could actually be the best match of the series given the crowd and the occasion. Shaun Johnson will look to entertain the big crowds.
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Betting
There hasn’t been much between these two sides in this series but England have clearly had the edge on New Zealand the longer the matches have gone on and that is the avenue I’m going to explore in this match. We haven’t seen New Zealand finish matches well at all so far in this series.
England get better the longer the matches go on and with a big crowd roaring them on I don’t think they will lack for motivation to fight to the bitter end in this one. England are getting two points on the second half handicap and I’m not even convinced they will need them. As it is I’m happy to take those points and back England accordingly.
Tips
Back England (+2) 2nd Half Handicap for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Coral
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