The term David and Goliath has taken on new meaning in modern times. It’s now a familiar description of an underdog facing off against an unbackable favourite, and in the case of the Four Nations openers between Australia and Scotland, it is particularly apt.
The teams have never met before in international rugby league, however, the world rankings tell a pretty significant story. Top-ranked Australia, the current world champions, and two-time winners of the competition, are pitted against the 9th best team in the World; a team that hasn’t played in the competition before.
It looks to be an almighty task for little David.
Scotland qualified for the tournament for the first time thanks to their victory in the 2014 European Cup. They qualified by beating France, Ireland, and Wales who are all ranked above them in the world rankings. However, their task is considerably tougher this time around against even better opponents.
Let’s take a look at the key talking points ahead of the Round 1 clash:
Teams
Australia: Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Justin O’Neill, Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, James Maloney, Cooper Cronk, Aaron Woods, Cameron Smith (c), David Klemmer, Sam Thaiday, Tyson Frizell, Jake Trobojevic. Interchange: Jake Friend, Shannon Boyd, Trent Merrin, Michael Morgan, Valentine Holmes. (one to be omitted).
Scotland: Danny Addy, Dale Ferguson, Ben Kavanagh; Frankie Mariano; Luke Douglas, Ryan Brierley, Danny Brough (c); Adam Walker; Billy McConnachie; Liam Hood; Ben Hellewell; Sheldon Powe-Hobbs; Lachlan Coote, Kane Linnett; Euan Aitken; Matthew Russell; Sam Brooks; Lewis Tierney; Callum Phillips.
Team Selection Talking Points
Australia: As expected, Mal Meninga has handed a swathe of players representative debuts. Moylan, Maloney, O’Neill, Trobojevic and Friend will all suit up for Australia for the first time in a move that ensures that the entire Kangaroos squad sees some action in the tournament. The team is in no way demonstrative of a complacent attitude towards the Scots, rather it sets out the significant strength of the Australian 24-man squad.
Scotland: Crafty Matty Russell misses out to Coote at fullback, but has shifted to the wing to complete an impressive back three when premiership winner Lewis Tierney is added to the mix as well. The centre pairing of Aitken and Linnet is strong. And keep an eye out for Tyler Cassel who has been in and around the West Tigers set up for some time.
It’s a shame that Peter Wallace and Keith Galloway aren’t available.
Form
Australia: W, W, L, L, W, W
Scotland: L, L, L, L, W, W
Odds
Australia: $1.01 across the board.
Scotland: $41 at bet365
Prediction and Tips
There’s little chance of an upset in this one. In the four previous editions of the Four Nations tournament, no team out of PNG, Samoa, Wales or France has been able to get the better of one of the big three. Therefore, you might need to get creative if you’re going to take any money from your bookmaker in Four Nations betting. Consider the $1.90 on offer at bet365 if there is under 64.5 points scored in the game – as a comparison, in their last match against anyone other than NZ, Australia beat Samoa 44-18 (62 points). Or you can have a read through our preview of the New Zealand / England matchup and put together a higher paying multi bet.
