Drama and Destruction were the themes in two contrasting Four Nations matches this weekend. New Zealand and Australia’s dominance of the Four Nations continued with both sealing finals births.
New Zealand v England (16-14)
The Kiwis scraped into the Four Nations final with a narrow victory over a gallant English side in the penultimate round of the Four Nations.
The Kiwis only needed to avoid a heavy defeat to sew up a Four Nations final birth, but instead chose the more dignified route, winning by two points in front a raucous Dunedin crowd.
The game was close for the duration with only a conversion separating the sides after Gareth Widdop cruelly hit the upright with this first two attempts. Despite being close, this one always had the feel of a New Zealand victory, thanks in part to their fleet footed forward pack that ate up metres in the middle of the park.
A frenetic start saw four tries in the first 30 minutes, all to wingers, a theme that continued for the rest of the game. Jason Nightingale’s early opener was cancelled out by a Ryan Hall effort before Josh Charnley briefly gave England their only lead of the night. The wingers then continued to dominate the key plays. Nightingale scored a try – Vatuvei bombed a try – Hall bombed a try – Hall scored a try.
Thomas Leuluai made a massive impact for the Kiwi’s both defensively and in the attacking end, compounding Isaac Luke to a fair few minutes on the bench. Simon Mannering was epic in defence too and worthy of a mention. England again showed they can match it with the top two of International league, and in James Graham, Geaorge Burgess and Daryl Clark have three forwards to build their future plans around. That’s provided George Burgess doesn’t follow his brother to Rugby Union.
The finish lacked points but in keeping with the tournament trend, was full of tension.
The Kiwi’s can celebrate by turning their attention to the Four Nations final in Wellington on Saturday night. The English, well they celebrated with a visit to a famous Dunedin student flat and smashed the front door down.
Australia v Samoa (44-18)
Joining New Zealand in the Final are the Kangaroos as they easily saw off the surprise package Samoans in Wollongong by 44-18.
After shaky performances in the first two weeks of the Four Nations the Australians finally played to their potential, relying on superstars Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans.
Cherry-Evans’ 30 minute breakaway try effectively sealed as much and ended Samoa’s bold Four Nations campaign. Ill-discipline was the killer for the Samoans, Joey Leilua who was so dynamic against the Kiwi’s last week only bothered chalking up penalties this week rather than the more sought after Rugby League stats such as metres, line breaks and tries. Josh McGuire who many believe should’ve have been playing for Australia, and not Samoa, was their most effective forward, while surprise package David Klemmer saw his stocks rise with an exceptional display.
The result delivers the expected Four Nations final and a repeat of last years Old Trafford showpiece.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
