WALKING WOUNDED
For the Kangaroos, Sea Eagles prop Brent Kite will fly to Brisbane with the squad as 18th man in case of a pre-match mishap. Anthony Minichiello was originally chosen at fullback, but has pulled out due to a lower back problem. He has been controversially replaced by Kiwi-born Bronco fullback Karmichael Hunt who will make his Test debut. Halfback Andrew Johns made a successful comeback from an ankle injury last week and is a certain starter for his swansong in the green and gold.
For the Kiwis, skipper Ruben Wiki will play despite missing last weekend's club match with a hamstring injury. Benji Marshall has been named at halfback just four weeks after doctors feared his season was over with yet another shoulder dislocation.
FORM
We all know what happened the last time these two teams played. It was a resounding Tri-Nations Series win to the Kiwis, breaking all sorts records in the process. Nine players remain for the Aussies from that match and the selectors have primarily used the loyalty card when choosing the team. A couple of players are rather fortunate to be there as their early season form has not been up to standard. The Kiwis as per usual have gone for power up front and one could argue the current line-up looks a lot stronger than the side that took them to glory last year.
WHO'S HOT
For the Kangaroos, the form player in their line-up would have to be interchange back Johnathan Thurston. He is one of the main reasons the Cowboys are sitting in equal first position on the ladder with his astute kicking, running and passing games the cornerstone of their attack. He won the Dally M last year and is currently leading the race for this year's award. Despite a poor game last week, the selectors couldn't refuse him a spot.
For the Kiwis, centre Paul Whatuira has continued his good form for the Tigers this season, scoring seven tries in eight matches. Unlike centre partner Clinton Toopi, Whatuira has few errors in his game and remains one of the best finishers and backline defenders in the NRL.
WHO'S NOT
For the Kangaroos, centre Matt Cooper is playing well below his best at present and is fortunate to hold his spot. Steve Bell and Justin Hodges can consider themselves extremely unlucky to miss out on Cooper's number four jersey.
For the Kiwis, the club form of centre Clinton Toopi must be a worry coming into such a big game. He's struggled for impact so far in 2006 and is still capable of brain explosions at the most inappropriate of times.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Andrew Johns v Benji Marshall
Petero Civoniceva & Willie Mason v Ruben Wiki & Jason Cayless
Ben Kennedy v Sonny Bill Williams
LIKE TO SEE
Kiwi coach Brian McClennan come prepared with well thought out plan for Benji Marshall in defence. It would be a massive blow to the Kiwis if they lost their star attacker early in the match and it will be up to McClennan to ensure he is well hidden in defence, preferably at least four off the ruck.
WOULDN'T LIKE TO SEE
The pressure of the occasion get to Karmichael Hunt. The Broncos custodian may well face a barrage of bombs after proving suspect under the high ball a couple of times this year - a horror game against the Dragons in round three springs to mind. He is also very suspect in one-on-one situations in defence, making him one of the most curious Australian rugby league selections of all-time. Let's hope the 19-year old can answer his many critics with a steady performance because he will be heavily targeted.
WE THINK
Those who think the Kiwis can go even remotely close to repeating the feats of last November need to remember one thing - there is no more Stacey Jones. Marshall and Vagana are great individualists, but when it comes to things such as general kicking and direction they are not in the class of Stacey. The Aussies have them well covered in this regard with the experience and talents of Johns and Lockyer to call on. Don't underestimate the power of revenge as well.
Kangaroos by 16.
16?
:roll:
For the Kangaroos, Sea Eagles prop Brent Kite will fly to Brisbane with the squad as 18th man in case of a pre-match mishap. Anthony Minichiello was originally chosen at fullback, but has pulled out due to a lower back problem. He has been controversially replaced by Kiwi-born Bronco fullback Karmichael Hunt who will make his Test debut. Halfback Andrew Johns made a successful comeback from an ankle injury last week and is a certain starter for his swansong in the green and gold.
For the Kiwis, skipper Ruben Wiki will play despite missing last weekend's club match with a hamstring injury. Benji Marshall has been named at halfback just four weeks after doctors feared his season was over with yet another shoulder dislocation.
FORM
We all know what happened the last time these two teams played. It was a resounding Tri-Nations Series win to the Kiwis, breaking all sorts records in the process. Nine players remain for the Aussies from that match and the selectors have primarily used the loyalty card when choosing the team. A couple of players are rather fortunate to be there as their early season form has not been up to standard. The Kiwis as per usual have gone for power up front and one could argue the current line-up looks a lot stronger than the side that took them to glory last year.
WHO'S HOT
For the Kangaroos, the form player in their line-up would have to be interchange back Johnathan Thurston. He is one of the main reasons the Cowboys are sitting in equal first position on the ladder with his astute kicking, running and passing games the cornerstone of their attack. He won the Dally M last year and is currently leading the race for this year's award. Despite a poor game last week, the selectors couldn't refuse him a spot.
For the Kiwis, centre Paul Whatuira has continued his good form for the Tigers this season, scoring seven tries in eight matches. Unlike centre partner Clinton Toopi, Whatuira has few errors in his game and remains one of the best finishers and backline defenders in the NRL.
WHO'S NOT
For the Kangaroos, centre Matt Cooper is playing well below his best at present and is fortunate to hold his spot. Steve Bell and Justin Hodges can consider themselves extremely unlucky to miss out on Cooper's number four jersey.
For the Kiwis, the club form of centre Clinton Toopi must be a worry coming into such a big game. He's struggled for impact so far in 2006 and is still capable of brain explosions at the most inappropriate of times.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Andrew Johns v Benji Marshall
Petero Civoniceva & Willie Mason v Ruben Wiki & Jason Cayless
Ben Kennedy v Sonny Bill Williams
LIKE TO SEE
Kiwi coach Brian McClennan come prepared with well thought out plan for Benji Marshall in defence. It would be a massive blow to the Kiwis if they lost their star attacker early in the match and it will be up to McClennan to ensure he is well hidden in defence, preferably at least four off the ruck.
WOULDN'T LIKE TO SEE
The pressure of the occasion get to Karmichael Hunt. The Broncos custodian may well face a barrage of bombs after proving suspect under the high ball a couple of times this year - a horror game against the Dragons in round three springs to mind. He is also very suspect in one-on-one situations in defence, making him one of the most curious Australian rugby league selections of all-time. Let's hope the 19-year old can answer his many critics with a steady performance because he will be heavily targeted.
WE THINK
Those who think the Kiwis can go even remotely close to repeating the feats of last November need to remember one thing - there is no more Stacey Jones. Marshall and Vagana are great individualists, but when it comes to things such as general kicking and direction they are not in the class of Stacey. The Aussies have them well covered in this regard with the experience and talents of Johns and Lockyer to call on. Don't underestimate the power of revenge as well.
Kangaroos by 16.
16?
:roll:
