Australian Kangaroos vs New Zealand Kiwis – Friday night – Suncorp Stadium
Australian Kangaroos
- Greg Inglis
- Alex Johnston
- Michael Jennings
- Will Chambers
- Josh Dugan
- Jonathan Thurston
- Cooper Cronk
- Matt Scott
- Cameron Smith (c)
- Aaron Woods
- Greg Bird
- Sam Thaiday
- Corey Parker
- Luke Lewis
- Trent Merrin
- Nate Myles
- James Tamou
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Josh Papali
Coach - Tim Sheens
New Zealand Kiwis
- Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
- Jason Nightingale
- Shaun Kenny-Dowell
- Peta Hiku
- Manu Vatuvei
- Keiran Foran
- Shaun Johnson
- Jesse Bromwich
- Issac Luke
- Ben Matulino
- Tohu Harris
- Kevin Proctor
- Simon Mannering (c)
- Thomas Leuluai
- Martin Taupau
- Sam Moa
- Greg Eastwood
- Lewis Brown
Coach - Steve Kearney
* note: team line-ups are subject to considerable change, but will be updated as news filters through.
There's no denying that the gap between these two nations has narrowed in recent years. The Kiwi trophy cabinet has had more silverware than the Kangaroos of late and it hasn't been a fluke. I like the look of the New Zealand forward pack - half the starting forwards buckle down together with the Melbourne Storm and those club combinations never hurt at representative level. The biggest issue for the Kiwis is the halves - both are capable of match-winning performances on their day but neither are in great form leading into this match. Standing opposite are Thurston and Cronk - and anyone who thinks those two aren't in form at club level hasn't been watching. Even after the withdraw of Billy Slater, the Australian spine (1,6,7 and 9) have years of experience together at representative level to draw on. What's that worth in a one-off Test match? It's worth lots I say. The Kiwis are great at building through a tournament but have a history of struggling in the ANZAC Test. They'll compete and they'll give their all, and the Kiwi haka runs rings around the version by the All Blacks. I expect the go-to play for the Kangaroos will involve Thurston shifting wide where the Rabbitohs combination of Inglis and Johnston will be hard to contain. I can't wait to see them pull it off.
Those going to the game should make an effort to catch the curtain-raiser between the Jillaroos and the Ferns. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Verdict – Kangaroos 22 : Kiwis 12
First try scorer - Alex Johnston
Man of the Match - Jonathan Thurston
Other representative games
Australian Jillaroos vs New Zealand Ferns - Friday night - Suncorp Stadium
Verdict - Jillaroos by 10
Junior Kangaroos vs Junior Kiwi - Saturday afternoon - CBUS Super Stadium
Verdict - Kangaroos by 10
Fiji vs Papua New Guinea - Saturday night - CBUS Super Stadium
Verdict - Fiji by 8
Samoa vs Tonga - Saturday night - CBUS Super Stadium
Verdict - Samoa by 8
QLD Residents vs NSW Cup - Sunday afternoon - Tapout Energy Stadium
Verdict - QLD Residents by 2
NSW Country vs NSW City - Sunday afternoon - McDonalds Park
Verdict - Country by 10
Comments
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Alright. You want to know why I think Kiwi's will win on Friday ? It's not because we are playing for three-peat or that we have a proven record against this Kangaroo's line up or that Kiwi's are the current reigning Four Nations champion. It's because The Thinker has picked them win and we all know what this means ! Our mate is completely cursed when it comes to picking Friday Night games that why I know now the Kiwi's will definitely win this in tight competition match up ! Kiwi's 16 - Kangaroo's 14 full time score. Also Kiwi Ferns by 8 points, Jr Kangaroo's by 18 points, Fiji by 12 points, Tonga by 10 points, QLD Residents by 6 points, Country by 2 points. Go New Zealand Kiwis's ! Kia Kaha ! Whakamatea ! Whakamatea ! Peow ! Peow ! ;-D
Submitted by The Thinker on
You make a very valid point Johnny Ray....enjoy the weekend my good man.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I would have thought City Country was the second most important rep game this week but got listed last, with only a tip. Does political correctness mean women and children come first on Rugby League blogs too?
Submitted by The Thinker on
Not really Coach...it's just the last scheduled kick-off.
That said, I reckon the international matches are more important.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
he following players have been selected to represent the 2015 VB Country Origin team to play the KARI City Origin side at McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga on Sunday, 3rd May.
1.David Mead – Marist Brothers Rams / Gold Coast Titans
2.Akuila Uate – Woy Woy / Newcastle Knights
3.Jarrod Croker – Goulburn Stockmen / Canberra Raiders
4.Jack Wighton – Orange CYMS / Canberra Raiders
5.James McManus – Newcastle JRL / Newcastle Knights
6.James Maloney – St Edwards Gosford / Sydney Roosters
7.Jarrod Mullen – Wests Newcastle / Newcastle Knights
8.Dale Finucane – Bega Roosters / Melbourne Storm
9.Ryan Hinchcliffe – Temora Dragons / Melbourne Storm
10.Kade Snowden – Belmont North / Newcastle Knights
11.Joel Thompson – Forbes Magpies / St George Illawarra Dragons
12.Tyson Frizell – Corrimal Cougars / St George Illawarra Dragons
13.Josh Jackson – Gulgong Terriers / Canterbury Bulldogs
14.Jack Bird – Berkeley Eagles / Cronulla Sharks
15.Paul Vaughan – Gungahlin Bulls / Canberra Raiders
16.Tariq Sims – Gerringong Lions / Newcastle Knights
17.Ryan James – Bilambil Jets / Gold Coast Titans
Coach: Trent Barrett – Temora Dragons
2015 KARI City Origin team:
1 Matt Moylan (Penrith Panthers)
2 James Tedesco (Wests Tigers)
3 James Roberts (Gold Coast Titans)
4 Waqa Blake (Penrith Panthers)
5 Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
6 Josh Reynolds (Canterbury Bulldogs)
7 Blake Austin (Canberra Raiders)
8 Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks)
9 Nathan Peats (Parramatta Eels)
10 David Klemmer (Canterbury Bulldogs)
11 Curtis Sironen (Wests Tigers)
12 Wade Graham (Captain - Cronulla Sharks)
13 Tyrone Peachey (Penrith Panthers)
14 Joseph Paulo (Parramatta Eels)
15 Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Penrith Panthers)
16 Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters)
17 Jason Clark (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
18th man: Bryce Cartwright (Penrith Panthers)
Coach: Brad Fittler - Cambridge Park RLFC
With no other games this weekend, different to previous years where players feigned injury then recovered by Saturday and Sunday, I think this years event is much more of an origin trial, many players pushing for a place in the Blues team for Origin I.
Good luck to all, and congrats to the many making their rep debuts.
Submitted by a on
Here are my predictions
Jillaroos 22 tires Latoya Billy 2 Samantha Hammond Brittany Breayley goals Ali Brigginshaw (3/5) Ferns 6 try Shontelle Dudley goal Hilda Peters (1/1)
Women of the match Latoya Billy
Kangroos 34 tries Aaron Woods 2 Michael Jennings 2 Josh Dugan Sam Thaiday goals Johnathan Thurston 5/6 Kiwis 18 Jason Nightingale Shaun Kenny-Dowall Shaun Johnson Simon Mannering goals Shaun Johnson (1/4)
Man of the Match Aaron Woods
Junior Kangroos 24 tires Drew Hutchison Jackson Hastings Jordan Drew Ashley Taylor goals Jackson Hastings (4/5) Junior Kiwis 20 tires Tony Tumusa Joseph Manu Zach Dockar-Clay goals Te Maire Martin (4/4)
Man of the match Jackson Hastings
Fiji 46 tries Fabian Goodall 2 Kevin Naiqama 2 Marika Koroibete 2 Daniel Saifiti Tyrone Phillips goals Apisai Koroisau (6/7) Ryan Millard (1/1) PNG 20 tires Ase Boas 2 Wellington Albert Israel Eliab goals Nene Macdonald (2/4)
Man of the match Fabian Goodall
Samoa 14 tires John Asiata Isaac Liu goals Sam Kasiano (3/4) Tonga 12 tires Sika Maun Konrad Hurrell goals Joel Luani (2/2)
Man of the match John Asiata
Queensland Residents 18 tires Hezron Murgha Ben Spina Kalifa Faifai Loa Javid Bowen goals Shaun Nona (1/4) NSW Cup Representative Team 16 tires Nathan Gardner Danny Fualalo Chanel Mata'utia goals Darren Nicholls (2/3)
Man of the match Kalifa Faifai Loa
City 16 tires Wade Graham goals Josh Reynolds (4/4) Country 12 Jarrod Mullen Tyson Frizell goals James Maloney (3/3)
Man of the match Wade Graham
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
https://youtu.be/lH1w2mETlDo
Just remember the words come kick off on Friday night.
I think that the changing of the guard for the Australian team might see some points leaked but the young guys should get up for a winning start.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi all...love that clip Baggy Gee
for mine I like the Kangaroos over the Kiwis by 8 and
Country over City by 4
Being a Qld' er and with origin looming I've been looking at the NSW halves and can't believe Daly is indicating he will stick with Reynolds/Hodkinson. Neither are showing any form with Reynolds really struggling and with Gallen probably out it's not looking good for the blues.
On the other hand Broncos, Cowboys, Storm are all in the top 4 and will provide most of the Maroon team.
I know it's early days but it looks very interesting.
Any thoughts crew? as there's not too much to talk about this week.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I guess Daly likes to see form, but is struggling to find any from Roosters or Bulldogs. Probably thought a month ago he had too many options, now he just has lots of ordinary ones.
Realistically that spells disaster for NSW.
History shows that winning series all relates to having superstars in your team. No names just dont cut it.
We all know the stars for QLD, and none have hung up their boots.
Last year NSW had Hayne and this year they dont. Previous NSW series wins there were names like Johns, Fittler, Gasnier, and before that Menzies, Daley etc. No big names, you dont win origin. I thought they would have developed a few more since 05, but they really haven't. Last year, I dont think they win without Hayne. Sad but true.
Salt into the wound for me is XXXX which isn't a bad drop as opposed to VB which apart from not even being a homebrew, is amber coloured syanide.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Silly spell check - should have told me it's cyanide. Different spelling. Same taste
Submitted by The Thinker on
Greetings Mark
Yep....pretty quiet this week.
NSW won the last series, but they only scored 4 tries in total - that's one per hour.
Last year they had Jarryd Hayne and the occasional Morris twin to work with.
I suppose they could win another series with defence, but QLD look a pretty safe tip to my eye.
And I'm right almost 50% of the time...so you can take that selection to the bank.
Submitted by a on
Yes QLD should win
Submitted by christine on
it's qld for me & country
Submitted by Coach Potato on
JOSH McGuire will today be added to the Samoan Four Nations team after just missing out on Kangaroos selection for the tournament.
McGuire performed well for the Prime Minister’s XIII in Papua New Guinea at the weekend but his name was missing from the Australian Kangaroos’ squad announced yesterday.
However due to his amazing eligibility, McGuire will now play for the Samoan team after their selectors and coach Matt Parish left a spot open for him last week in case he missed the Aussie team.
His mother has Kiwi and Samoan heritage, with the 24-year-old Bronco prop playing for the Toa Samoa national team back in 2010.
His selection for Samoa will not affect McGuire’s future Origin hopes.
Deemed a Samoan player for this tournament, McGuire is allowed one change of eligibility in between World Cups.
If selected for Queensland in the near future he can simply change his eligibility to Australia and take his place.
However he could not change again until the next World Cup in 2017.
This is a big reason why I think the minnow Internationals this week are all just a bit Mickey Mouse. Sure, I'll probably hear about how I'm entitled to my opinion but blah blah blah.... I would then say yes, thanks for reminding me that we don't live in communist Russia.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Only watched about 10 seconds of the video Baggy and turned it off. Not funny. Disrespectful trash from Australian caucasia.
Submitted by a on
Well I am not going to watch it either
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
@Coach I don't know what you're on about mate. I thought the thing was funny : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=quHeUUDfdcc ;-D
Submitted by a on
What was it about
Submitted by tigerholic on
Gidday Tipsters
I watched the video clip from baggy gee, it was very funny and there was no disrespect intended at all. Thats something I can see getting done at BBQ's across Australia.
Never under estimate the NSW team, they may just surprise you.
Tigerholic
Submitted by The Thinker on
Afternoon football fans,
Another William Hill promo bet for tonight for you all - Kangaroos to beat the Kiwis by 1-12 points paying $4.00. Maximum bet at this price is $25. Given the weather in Brisbane at the moment that looks pretty backable to me.
Here is the link (and gamble responsibly):
http://partners.affiliatesunited.com.au/processing/clickthrgh.asp?btag=a...
Submitted by a on
So the video was a out a BBQ
Submitted by a on
Actually I just saw the video and it was quite funny their was nothing wrong with it thanks Baggy G
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rxxHexuXTE
Submitted by christine on
It's city for me now I've seen the team
Submitted by The Thinker on
Postponed....all my clever bets based on a low-scoring Test match don't look so clever all of a sudden.
Submitted by a on
It is on Sunday now
Submitted by christine on
the game being postponed to sunday is no guarantee either they are saying there will be more rain on sunday as well
Submitted by a on
I hope it is still on
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
What the hell am I watching ? Who's Collingwood and what the hell is Carlton ? Crap I miss my league ! :-(
Submitted by christine on
johnny ray it's called afl we finally found a sport you don't watch
Submitted by NotSo on
The Aussies are a sure thing now that the game has been postponed to Sunday arvo...good work thinker ;-)
Submitted by a on
If Aussies win I will be happy
Submitted by christine on
that same storm cell dumped 250mls on Sydney in 3 days & It's now at coffs harbour but it doesn't seem to be easing at all & we could even get more rain from it yet
Submitted by a on
I really really really hope the test match goes on
Submitted by christine on
a don't worry it should the cell is breaking down & it's already gone through coffs harbour so I don't see why the game won't go ahead
Submitted by christine on
it would be just my luck that now I have tipped dragons over souths for next week souths will probably win
Submitted by a on
Yes Souths have a tough game next week
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
- And because I've ran out of things to bet on I've got money on new royal baby to be born a girl and for them to call it Victoria. Cool. Let's see how right I am ... ;-D
Submitted by a on
I think the royal baby was a girl
Submitted by christine on
johnny ray seriously betting on the royal baby you must be board please bring back the league to put a stop to this madness
Submitted by christine on
I tipped country but changed to city , just my luck
Submitted by a on
Never change
Submitted by christine on
a I know you shouldn't change your tip but I always second guess my self & I have at times managed to change my tip without it coming back to bite me in the ass but that's me
Submitted by christine on
glad to see the kiwi's are winning
Submitted by a on
NZ 26 AUS 6 of crap Imwish their was something else on TV cause we are losing quite easy
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f2JuxM-snGc Kiwi's !!! :-)
Submitted by a on
I wish Austrilia won
Submitted by Johnny Ray on
Crap ! They called her Charlotte ! That's twenty bucks Royal Family owes me ... :-(
Submitted by Steel Panther on
But you can't be that depressed Johnny Ray. You would have collected on the Test match.
Submitted by a on
Yes you should be happy Johnny Ray about NZ unlike me who really really really wanted AUS to win
Submitted by christine on
john Sutton has been named to play against dragons this week