Australia vs New Zealand – Four Nations Final Preview

The form of both sides heading into the Four Nations Final this weekend could not be any more different.

Australia have won all three of their matches in the tournament with relative ease while the top ranked side in the world, New Zealand have stumbled their way to the Final. A one-point win over England, a loss to the Kangaroos and a shock draw with Scotland is not the best preparation for the defence of their title.

Form or lack of it for the Kiwis has undoubtedly swayed the prices with bookmakers. Despite being reigning Four Nations Champions, New Zealand are priced at a lowly $4.00. This sets up the Kiwis perfectly for a big showdown with their rivals from across the Tasman as they meet at Anfield.

After underperforming for most of the year the stars in the Kiwi side now have the opportunity to make a huge statement by upsetting the odds and the Kangaroos.

The Kangaroos will be desperate to take back the Four Nations crown from New Zealand. For so long Australia were undeniably the top side in world rugby league. That has wavered in recent years as the Kiwis began to compete with them on a more regular basis.

One man in Green and Gold desperate to end this tournament on a high will be Johnathan Thurston. He is searching to finish with a 100% record on games played in the UK before he calls time on his Representative career after the next World Cup. The bookmakers have the Kangaroos priced at $1.25 to take the win.

Not only are the bookies backing an Australian win but they are looking at a big win for the Kangaroos. The best price with the addition of a margin is a 13+ point win for Australia at $2.10. In contrast a win of that size for the Kiwis stands at $15.00. A narrower win of 1-12 points for the Kangaroos is priced at $2.75 with the same for the Kiwis at $5.00.

As is so often the case the Four Nations ultimately comes down to Australia and New Zealand. They will battle it out thousands of miles from home on cold, wet evening in Liverpool but the passion and pride will be there all the same.