Australia v England Odds

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP – AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND BETTING – 2nd November
Both teams won their opening Group fixtures. Australia outclassed New Zealand by 30-6 in Sydney, while England struggled to overcome a resilient Papua New Guinea by 32-22, in Townsville. Australia, a best-priced 1/7 with 888sport to win Group A, will be hot favourites to beat England.

Latest Australia v England Odds

TV Coverage

The match will be covered live by Sky Sports 1.

Match Reviews and Reaction

England
Papua New Guinea (PNG) gave England a fright, with second row Jason Chan and winger George Keppa scoring late first-half tries to put them 16-12 up at the break. However, Leeds Rhinos’ winger Lee Smith levelled the match with the second of his three tries to ease English nerves. Centre Martin Gleeson and winger Ade Gardner, with his second try of the game, saw England home to a hard-fought win. England coach Tony Smith remains confident his side’s Rugby League World Cup campaign is on track despite a lacklustre performance against Papua New Guinea. A series of questionable rulings ruined some excellent PNG chances, otherwise the tournament could have kicked off with a major surprise. However, coach Smith pointed out his side’s resolve that he believes will be an asset in the rest of the tournament. He did admit though that England will need dramatic improvement if they are to be competitive against Australia in Melbourne. He thought his side appeared “ring rusty” and gave away possession far too easily. Tony Smith was swift to praise the PNG team, stating that their doubters had not done their homework properly. He added that PNG have some very good players emerging, along with experienced performers from the NRL and Super League.

Latest Australia v England Odds

Australia
Australia put up an ominous-looking display against New Zealand, the 30-6 scoreline greatly flattering the Kiwis, who created few chances. Greg Inglis and Joel Monaghan went over for the hosts in the first half, giving them a 14-6 lead at the break. The Kangaroos moved up a gear in the second-half, with Isreal Folau (2) and Billy Slater scoring further tries. Jonathan Thurston played despite the death of his uncle, who was attacked by a group of men in a Brisbane suburb. His imperious kicking form ensured that the result was never in doubt. England’s confidence for the forthcoming tie with Australia is unlikely to be buoyed by Australian coach Ricky Stuart’s expectation that his side will improve after their 30-6, five-try thrashing of New Zealand. He said that the New Zealand game showed his team to be in form and while they are unable to be any fitter or more skilful, he would be ensuring that his team put in ample mental preparation for the remaining fixtures. Stuart added that his team are coping well with the added pressure of carrying the label of tournament favourites.

The format of the tournament is such that the group winners will avoid the other top sides in the semi-finals. The Group A winners will meet the winners of the quarter-final between the winners of the other two groups, while the runners-up and third-placed side will meet each other in the semis. With both England and New Zealand disappointing in their opening games, the Australia v England match may decide the group, virtually guaranteeing the winners a place in the final. It is extremely difficult to see beyond a victory for the Kangaroos, as they chase a seventh consecutive World Cup.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds



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    • Written by John Lamerton · Filed Under Rugby 

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