Tag: Australia

Rebuilding Starts as Australia Look to Avoid Whitewash

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

There’s plenty of intrigue in game three of the Australian / South African cricket series. There’s pink balls, selection overhauls, argy-bargy in airports and ball tampering. Whatever happens, game three in Adelaide is sure to include some drama and some great betting opportunities.

Check out our thoughts on the day-night test:

The Last Time These Two Met

The second test in Hobart was an unmitigated disaster for the Australians. Collapses in both innings and the lowest number of balls faced in a home test match since 1928, meant a heavy defeat by an innings and 80 runs. Australia made just 85 in the first dig and 161 in the second (from a position of 2/129); struggling in the face of quality seam bowling by Abbott, Rabada and Philander.

The loss has been the catalyst for a significant overhaul in election policies and personnel. Gone is former chief selector Rod Marsh, replaced by Trevor Hohns, and sweeping changes have been made to the squad (more below). The unsettling changes could mean Australia are facing the very real threat of a series whitewash, which could mean they’re favourites as they look to blood fresh players that are unscathed from the previous two results.

The Teams

Australia (likely):

1 David Warner, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steve Smith (capt), 5 Peter Handscomb, 6 Nic Maddinson, 7 Matthew Wade, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Josh Hazlewood, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Jackson Bird.

Australia has made a host of changes to the team that lost in Hobart. Out goes Joe Burns, Adam Voges, Peter Nevill, Joe Mennie and Callum Ferguson. In for their debuts are Renshaw, Handscomb and Maddinson. The selections are a significant shift in the Australian selectors thinking. Replacing older players with players of the future hasn’t always been their way (think Hussey, North, Voges and Rogers for players who made their debuts at late stages in their careers).

South Africa (likely):

1 Stephen Cook, 2 Dean Elgar, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 JP Duminy, 5 Faf du Plessis (capt), 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 KA Maharaj 10 Kyle Abbott, 11 Kagiso Rabada.

No changes expected for the South Africans after Far du Plessis was fined for ball tampering but not suspended.

The Key Players

Australia

David Warner – The left-hander has been the biggest disappointment in the series thus far. As always, he’s looking a million dollars every time he bats, but, he just can’t seem to go on with it and get the huge 170 that Australia is desperately seeking. As an important member of the senior leadership team, he needs to convert starts (aside from the 1 he scored in the first innings of game two, he’s had a start each time) into long innings and platforms for his middle order.

South Africa

Quinton de Kock – In the mould of Adam Gilchrist, de Kock has had a huge influence on this series. Scores of 64, 84, 104 not only display some beautiful symmetry and code but also evidence a batsman in exceptional form. If he can continue his free-scoring fun, even against the pink ball, South Africa will be well on the way to achieving the 3-0.

The Match Odds

Australia – $2.60 at Ladbrokes.

South Africa – $2.10 at Bet365.

Draw – $6.40 at Betfair.

The Prediction

The great leveller in game three is the pink ball. Notoriously difficult to see, prone to swinging and just a little unusual (just ask Matthew Wade, the colour blind keeper has admitted to having some issues seeing the ball); the pink ball and lights could even up the contest. It appears bookies are thinking the same way with less separating the teams than the first two tests would indicate.

We actually like Australia to win this one. They have more experience against the pink ball, and we’ve seen too many unlikely wins on the back of coach and player changes to tempt a nice turnaround script.

The Best Bets

There’s been plenty of money on Usman Khawaja ($4.70) and Matt Renshaw ($6) to be Australia’s top batsman. However, depending on when the top order face-off against the new ball, the top three might not be the safe option. What about Nic Maddinson at $7.60 instead.

On the bowling side of things, why not consider Vernon Philander to take wickets and thus be named man of the match ($13). If any bowler in world cricket can exploit a wobbling ball and favourable atmospheric conditions, it’s Philander.

Rugby League: Stage Set for Epic Four Nations Double Header

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The cosy rugby league grounds of the Northern Hemisphere are creating terrific atmospheres for players in the Four Nations format. Boutique stadiums, just like Coventry, that deliver a tense match day experience are perfect for the neighbourly head to heads that feature in Round 2 of the tournament. Saturday’s double header sees the trans tasman rivals face off in what could be a tournament final curtain raiser, and England host Scotland.

In addition to the boisterous crowds, here’s what we’re expecting from the two games and what the bookies are offering in Four Nations odds:

New Zealand v Australia

Teams:

New Zealand

Jordan Kahu, Gerard Beale, Solomone Kata, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jordan Rapana, Thomas Leuluai, Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich (c), Issac Luke, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Jason Taumalolo, Lewis Brown, Martin Taupau, Manu Ma’u, Greg Eastwood, Joseph Tapine, David Fusitu’a (two to be omitted).

There are just two changes to the Kiwis side that beat England in Round 1. Gerard Beale replaces the injured Jason Nightingale, and experienced forward Greg Eastwood comes into the side for the injured Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Thomas Leuluai is fit to play despite a sickening head clash against England putting his place in jeopardy. Eastwood’s impact will be from the bench, which means Adam Blair who was influential against England (and Australia in the tournament warm-up) will move into the starting side.

Keep an eye on Shaun Johnson throughout. He was much better against England but won’t be afforded the same time on the board in this one. He’ll also be asked to make a huge number of tackles if Australia approach him in the same way they did when the teams met in Perth.

Australia

Darius Boyd, Shannon Boyd, Boyd Cordner, Blake Ferguson, Jake Friend, Matt Gillett, Valentine Holmes, Greg Inglis, David Klemmer, James Maloney, Trent Merrin, Michael Morgan, Matt Moylan, Justin O’Neill, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (c), Sam Thaiday, Johnathan Thurston, Aaron Woods

Winger Josh Mansour injured his knee in a training collision with Josh Dugan and will miss the rest of the tournament. Mansour was Australia’s best player against Scotland and his absence gives Blake Ferguson a reprieve. Cooper Cronk is getting a rest which gives Michael Morgan and Matt Moylan the opportunity to press for the bench utility role for the business end of the tournament.

Odds

New Zealand: $3.50 at William Hill and Centrebet.

Australia: $1.35 at Sportsbet.

Prediction

Australia has won this year’s two meetings comfortably, and even though NZ surprised many with their gutsy Round 1 win, are likely to win here again. They look too strong on paper and seem to have got the mental edge back over NZ that they briefly gave up in 2014. Mel Meaning has instilled a humbleness to his team (he’s even making them clean their own changing rooms after games) that is making them even better. Add to it the competition for spots which is making each player hungrier – Val Holmes missing out is a travesty for rugby league, but an indication of how strong Australia are – and Australia are going to be tricky to beat. We have them winning by 8.

England v Scotland

Teams

England

John Bateman, George Burgess, Sam Burgess (c), Thomas Burgess, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Liam Farrell, Luke Gale, Ryan Hall , Chris Hill, Josh Hodgson, Jonny Lomax, Jermaine McGillvary, Mark Percival, Dan Sarginson, Scott Taylor , Kallum Watkins, Elliott Whitehead, George Williams (two to be omitted).

Firebrand James Graham has a medial tear in his knee so hasn’t been included, but in better news, Sam Burgess will play despite a side strain. The other big talking point is Gareth Widdop’s omission. He’s been dropped to give George Williams a chance after coach Wayne Bennett admitted being impressed by the young half in the Super League finals.

Scotland

Danny Addy, Euan Aitken, Sam Brooks, Danny Brough (c), Tyler Cassel, Lachlan Coote, Luke Douglas, Dale Ferguson, Ben Hellewell, Liam Hood , Ben Kavanagh, Kane Linnett, Frankie Mariano, Brett Phillips, Callum Phillips, Matty Russell, David Scott, Lewis Tierney, Adam Walker (two to be omitted).

Ryan Brierley, who left the ground with a protective boot on an ankle, is one of several changes to Steve McCormack’s Scotland side. Others include, Sheldon Powe-Hobbs and Billy McConnachie making way for Frankie Mariano and Brett Phillips. Tyler Cassel, Callum Phillips and David Scott also enter the reckoning.

Odds

England: $1.02 at Betfair.

Scotland: $34 at bet365.

Prediction

England were very polished in the opening twenty minutes of their first up defeat to the Kiwis, but promise counts for little in such a condensed tournament. The hosts now need to beat Scotland this week and world champions Australia to have a chance of winning the tournament. They’ll have the belief to get the job done against Scotland, however it may be their only win of the tournament. England by 28 ($17 at bet365).

Four Nations Defending Champions May Struggle to Keep Pace

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New Zealand’s chances of defending their Four Nations rugby league title are looking seriously slim after the exit of long-term coach Stephen Kearney and a heavy warm-up loss to Australia. Here’s a look at all the teams involved and their chances:

Australia

Strengths: As far as spines go, the Australian set up is incredible. Smith, Cronk, Thurston and Boyd are all NRL premiership winners, and when they play together they are nigh on impossible to get the better of.

All are consummate professionals who pride themselves on error free play, quality decision-making and high involvement. Add Greg Inglis to the mix, and it’s hard to fathom how any side will beat them.

Weaknesses: It’s very hard to find weaknesses in a squad that features the likes of the above. But in Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan, together making up the right-hand edge of the Australian backline, they have two hot or cold players that have struggled to make an impact at test level. The duo was dreadful against the Kiwis considering the amount of ball they had, and completely failed to exploit Solomone Kata on his NZ debut.

Star Turn: At just 21 yeas of age, Cronulla Sharks flyer Valentine Holmes is only just beginning his NRL and Test career. However, the influence the fleet-footed winger can have on the tournament stretches far beyond his relative inexperience. After making a promising debut, including a try, in the warm-up match against the Kiwis, Holmes is poised to set the tournament alight with his skill and speed.

The only possible saving grace for opposition teams is if Mal Meninga can’t find room for Holmes once Josh Mansour returns to the squad after missing the warm-up match because of his wedding.

Odds: $1.60 at Palmerbet.

Predicted Finish: Australia to win it. There is just too little chance that all of them have an off game on the same day.

New Zealand

Strengths: Big and mobile forward packs have always been part of the Kiwis game. 2016 is no different. The Kiwis pack boasts the likes of Dally M Medal winner Jason Taumalolo, NRL Prop of the Year Jesse Bromwich, and the reliable Melbourne Storm backrowers Tohu Harris and Kevin Procter. As a result, the Kiwis should get plenty of metres and go-forward out of their big men.

Weaknesses: The warm-up loss to Australia revealed a number of chinks in the New Zealand armour.

Johnson’s fifth tackle plays have been criticised heavily. Rightfully so too; the flamboyant number 7 struggled to kick in general play, and often tried to force the issue with last tackle attacking raids that his outside men weren’t on board with.

Opposition teams will be wise to exploit the weak defence of Kenny-Dowall’s right edge (made worse with Simon Mannering’s withdrawal from the tournament), while the Kiwis back three might also struggle to gain yards deep in their own half.

Look out for Kidwell opting for young gun Te Maire Martin rather than the ineffective Lewis Brown in the utility role.

Discipline is probably worth a mention here too.

Star Turn: One of the standouts in the Kiwis warm up game was Martin Taupau. Coming off the bench, the Manly powerhouse had 129 metres for 10 carries to go with five tackle busts, to easily be New Zealand’s best on the night. Coming off the bench gives Taupau an opportunity to make a seriously meaningful impact.

Odds: $4 is the best offer on NZ, from Ladbrokes.

Predicted Finish: The Kiwis haven’t always travelled to the UK well. Most recently they lost a bilateral series in 2015. They’re also still familiarising themselves with a new coaching structure, as well as missing key players (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Mannering). They might struggle to make the final this year. 3rd.

England

Strengths: New coach Wayne Bennet has a tricky task ensuring his team are equipped to compete with the Kangaroos and Kiwis. It’s made manageable playing on home soil. It’s made believable thanks to the powerful forward pack he has at his disposal. Josh Hodgson, Sam and George Burgess, James Graham and Elliot Whitehead all NRL-experienced, and all (save for George maybe) are coming off excellent seasons.

Weaknesses: Gareth Widdop’s poor year in the NRL this season could worry the hosts, however, a bigger worry is probably the lack of big game experience. They haven’t made many tournament finals of late and gave up a late last minute try to the Kiwis in the most recent World Cup. The lack of experience and big game mettle could hurt them in the key stages.

Star Turn: Take away injury and suspension, and Canberra rake Hodgson may have been the first English winner of the NRL’s prestigious Dally M Medal this season. As it was, Hodgson finished eight points behind the winners but was arguably more influential for his team’s run to the finals.

Odds: $5.50 looks great money from Bet365. LuxBet also has an option on an Australia / England final at an attractive $2.30.

Predicted Finish: 2nd.

Scotland

Strengths: The ultimate underdogs will struggle to win a game in their first ever Four Nations. The squad looks too light on paper to scare any of the three heavyweights. If they are to get anywhere near, they’ll need the kicking game of former Man of Steel, Danny Brough, or the NRL expertise of Aitken, Coote, Douglas and Linnet.

Weaknesses: Not so much of a weakness as a simple reality – they are playing the three best nations in world rugby league.

Star Turn: Lachlan Coote isn’t in the powerful mould of Inglis, nor does he have the speed of a James Tedesco, but he is very clever. Essentially, he’s another half. With a tremendous short kicking game and an unparalleled rugby league brain, the Cowboys number is a tremendous boost to the tournament rookies.

Odds: Not really worth mentioning, but you’ll get 500/1 at most bookies.

Predicted Finish: Can’t see them winning a game. Last.

Four Nations kicks off this Friday, October 28th.

Rugby League: ANZAC Test Preview

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International Rugby League – ANZAC Test Preview

Who

Australian Kangaroos v New Zealand Kiwis

Where

Suncorp Stadium

When

Friday, 7.45pm (Australian Eastern Time)

Odds

Australia – $1.44

New Zealand – $2.87

Form

Most recently, the Kiwis enjoyed narrow wins over Australia in their past two meetings during last years Four Nations.  The wins came against severely weakened opponents so we’re taking the recent form with an almighty grain of salt.

Despite turning Suncorp in to an overseas fortress, winning four of their past five there (including one against England), New Zealand have won just one-from-15 Anzac Tests since the annual clash’s inception.

Teams

Australia: 1 Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) 2 Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) 3 Michael Jennings (Roosters) 4 Will Chambers (Storm) 5 Josh Dugan (Dragons) 6 Jonathan Thurston (Cowboys) 7 Cooper Cronk (Storm) 8 Matthew Scott (Cowboys) 9 Cameron Smith (Storm) 10 Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers) 11 Greg Bird (Titans) 12 Sam Thaiday (Broncos) 13 Corey Parker (Broncos).

Interchange: 14 Luke Lewis (Sharks) 15 Trent Merrin (Dragons) 16 Nate Myles (Titans) 17 James Tamou (Cowboys) 18th man: Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) 19th man: Josh Papalii (Raiders).

New Zealand: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Jason Nightingale, 3 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 4 Peta Hiku, 5 Manu Vatuvei, 6 Kieran Foren, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Ben Matulino, 11 Tohu Harris, 12 Kevin Proctor, 13 Simon Mannering (c).

Interchange: 14 Thomas Leuluai, 15 Martin Taupau, 16 Sam Moa, 17 Greg Eastwood, 18 Lewis Brown.

Preview

History is New Zealand’s enemy tonight.

The Kiwis, who have a tendency to score first before badly running out of steam, are looking to overcome 13 straight ANZAC test match defeats, and will need to call upon every inch of NRL form that exists within their squad.

The New Zealand underdogs have belief after last years Four Nations, but injuries to key personnel including Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kieran Foran, and Jason Nightingale may have curtailed any momentum garnered from last seasons tournament win.  Instead they will rely on form front rower Jesse Bromwich and the electric footed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to inspire an upset that would leave a lot of punters upset.

Tim Sheen’s Australian squad are bolstered by several names who missed last years Four Nations finale, in addition to bright prospects Alex Johnston and Will Chambers.  Greg Inglis gets a chance to play his preferred fullback position after Billy Slater was ruled out through injury, and that in itself is a reason to tune in tonight.

Other mouth watering prospects include Cronk v Johnson, Scott and Woods v Matulino and Bromwich, Luke v Smith.

Prediction

Australia’s stranglehold over the annual fixture looks set to continue in tonight’s 2015 edition (also the 100th anniversary of the first major contribution of ANZAC troops in the First World War).  Despite the Kiwi’s Four Nations win (including the back to back wins) the Australians have too much quality on paper and are traditionally to fit for their trans-Tasman rivals in the early season figure.  We’re predicting the Kangaroos to pull away in the final quarter to win by 14. 

Sportsbet Betting Special

Representative Round Special – Place a Win / Try Combo bet on any Representative (Fiji v PNG, Samoa v Tonga) match this weekend and if your player scores a try but the team loses, you’ll get your cash back.

International Soccer Preview – Wednesday 25th March

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The domestic action takes a break this week with some Friendly Internationals ahead of this weekend’s Euro 2016 qualifiers. The top match on Wednesday night sees Scotland welcome Northern Ireland to Hampden Park while there is also a fascinating clash between Germany and Australia.

A game between Scotland and Northern Ireland is unlikely to be the recipe for a half-hearted kick-about, even if many International friendlies go down that route. Both teams have given their supporters plenty to cheer about in the early qualifying games for Euro 2016 and will be keen to keep the momentum going here.

Scotland face Gibraltar on Sunday while Northern Ireland host Finland so neither team will line up at full-strength. Both managers will be intent on using this match to add the finishing touches to their preparation for Sunday so we can expect plenty of squad rotation.

Scotland are currently in third position in Group D behind Poland and Germany while the Irish have taken nine from a possible twelve points in Group F. Both will be expected to consolidate their positions with victories this weekend. This looks a very tricky one to call and that usually makes the draw the logical choice. Hopefully there could be some goals and 2-2 may be worth a punt at long odds.

The game between Germany and Australia in Kaiserslautern will also be a warm-up for Euro action for the hosts who have made a sticky start to their campaign. They currently trail Poland in the group and have suffered a dip in form since lifting the World Cup in Brazil.

Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos won the Asian Cup in front of their home fans and it will be a great opportunity for them to test their mettle against the world champions. This is Australia’s first match since beating Korea Republic in the Cup final on January 31st but they are without Tim Cahill and Matthew Spiranovic. They showed in that tournament that they have some strength in depth and are likely to test the Germans.

The man to be on in the goal scorer markets is Marco Reus. He missed the World Cup through injury and will be keen to make up for lost time. He has been in fine form for Borussia Dortmund and can set the Germans on their way to a two-goal victory.

Scotland v Northern Ireland DRAW @14-5 Boylesports

Scotland 2 Northern Ireland 2 @28-1 Betfair

Marco Reus to score first @5-1 Paddy Power

Marco Reus to score and Germany win @7-5 Paddy Power

Germany 2 Australia 0 @6-1 Paddy Power

Cricket World Cup: Australia v India – SF 2 Preview

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The current Australian stranglehold over the Indians is nothing new, especially in home conditions.  Plenty of touring teams have come to Australia full of expectation only to be humbled by the pace and bounce of the likes of the WACA and the GABBA.  India’s 2014/15 tour has been no different.  They have failed to beat Australia in any format.

However, if there’s one leveller, it’s a Cricket World Cup semifinal.  If there’s another, it’s the Sydney Cricket Ground; traditionally slower than other venues and often taking turn.  Such a pitch would suit India’s game immeasurably more than anywhere else in Australia.  India’s Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja could thrive in the Sydney conditions and help balance a game that is otherwise largely in Australia’s favour.

Australia do not possess a quality spin bowler and have given Xavier Doherty just a solitary game.  Therein lies the only shortcoming for Australia and the only opportunity for India.

The Last Time These Two Met

Australia have got the better of India all summer.  The Aussies enjoyed dominance in a 2-0 test match series win, before lifting the Carlton Mid Tri Series trophy without dropping a game.  India failed to win in the ODI series, and it took a match against Afghanistan to finally win a game on the tour.

In total the teams have player 117 times.  Australia winning 67 of them, and India 40.

The Teams

Australia (likely): 1 Aaron Finch, 2 David Warner, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Michael Clarke (capt), 5 Shane Watson, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Josh Hazlewood

No changes expected to the Australian side.  Josh Hazlewood should player after his four wickets against Pakistan.

India (likely): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ajinkya Rahane, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Mohit Sharma, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Umesh Yadav

India won’t change their winning formula either.

The Key Players

Mitchell Starc – Starc is one of a handful of dangerous left arm quicks still lurking in the competition.  However, Starc is undeniably the most accurate of them; making him the biggest threat in today’s semi.  His ability to mix between toe-crushingly accurate yorkers and bumpers has seen him consistently among the tournaments leading wicket-takers (currently 2nd behind Trent Boult), and he’ll be more than a handful against opponents that traditionally dislike searing speed.

MS Dhoni – The Indian captain has had a quiet time of it in New Zealand and Australia of late.  Rarely being asked to win matches with the bat, Dhoni has made just one significant contribution in the entire event – an unbeaten 85 against Zimbabwe.  Nevertheless, he has led his side with distinction, enterprise and calmness.  Traits that have helped his side win 11 World Cup games in a row, and traits that will be crucial here today.  He’s also a known finisher having led India to their 2011 World Cup win with 91 not out.  He’ll play a part and could end up doing something similar against Australia.

The Match Odds*

Australia – $1.40

India – $3.00

*Courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.

The Prediction

Australia have the best side in the competition, hands down.  They are understandably the favourites after bouncing back powerfully after a slight Pool game hiccup at Eden Park.  They also have a significant mental advantage over the Indians, and there is no better team in the World to leverage off the mind games.  Australia to win, by 60 runs or 6 wickets.

The Best Bets

Michael Clarke is without runs in the tournament, but Sydney is well suited to his game.  He’s a big chance to Top Score and if he does and Australia win you’ll get @ $7.50

Ravi Ashwin has been one of the few spin bowlers to take wickets at the tournament.  He’ll enjoy Sydney too and is @ $4.25