The Four Nations gets underway this weekend and we are set for two very interesting games of international rugby league.
Australia start their campaign against Scotland on Saturday morning and are almost unbackable favourites, while England host New Zealand on Sunday in a clash that should be far more competitive.
I have analysed all four sides ahead of the Four Nations and below you can find our thoughts on both contests this weekend!
The market suggests that this will be the biggest mismatch of the tournament and Scotland are available at a simply massive price of $34 to record one of the biggest upsets in the history of Rugby League.
It is line betting that will be of the most interest in this clash and the line has been set at a massive 44 points.
Scotland made it to the quarter-finals of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup before they were beaten by New Zealand, but they did not lose a single game by more than 44 points and they have since gone on to win the European Cup.
Australia won three of their games during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup by more 44 points and there is no doubt that this team is able to put up plenty of points.
Whether they are able to do that in this early stage of the tournament is the big question and they have never won a four nations game by more than 44 points.
Scotland do have some quality in their side and they should be able to do enough to hang in defensively and avoided suffering a defeat of more than 44 points.
Back Scotland To Beat The Line (+44 Points)
This is easily the most interesting clash of the weekend and will be key to the chances of both sides.
England beat New Zealand 2-1 in a three test series 12 months ago, but that New Zealand team was plagued by injuries and there is no doubt that they have sent a stronger side to England in 2016.
New Zealand scored a narrow victory over England during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and they repeated the dose in the 2014 Four Nations, but there was nothing between the two sides on both occasions.
The x-factor in this clash could prove to be new England coach Wayne Bennett.
Bennett has previously worked extremely closely with Stephen Kearney and New Zealand – with Bennett credited for New Zealand’s resurgence in the past decade – and that could give England the edge in what is sure to be another extremely tight affair.
There is a touch of value at the $2.15 available for an England victory and hopefully the Bennett factor can get them home.
Back England To Win @ $2.15