Tomkins is key to breaking the Lock
And, if that wasn’t enough, the 80 minutes will see Aussie captain Darren Lockyer bring down the curtain on arguably one of the greatest careers in the history of the game.
England, and before that Great Britain, have been lambs to slaughter far too often for the Kangaroos – with Lockyer their chief tormentor. Ladbrokes are expecting to witness another almighty chasm in class, with England at 4-1 and the tourists just 1-5.
However, and I’m honest enough to admit my heart may be ruling my head a little, I think Steve McNamara’s improving hosts have a realistic shout of causing an almighty upset.
I refer to the great Muhammad Ali – a father of many fabulous quotes – who once said: “He is who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” England will need to chance their arm to beat the Aussies, but for the first time in many a year, we have backs who the Green and Golds will be wary of.
Sam Tomkins has been the player of the tournament. Along with winger Ryan Hall, the full-back has excelled on the big stage. Hall has produced three breath-taking finishes to catch the eye, while Wigan’s talisman has been at his elusive and dangerous best.
Tomkins is England’s key man. England’s pack was formidable last week against the Kiwis, even better than in their 20-36 Wembley defeat to Australia. The likes of Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley, though, have laid down a decent platform before – it just hasn’t always counted for much.
But with the likes of Tomkins, Tom Briscoe and Hall feeding off a quickly improving half-back partnership between Kevin Sinfield and Rangi Chase, you sense England have points in them.
Jack Reed and Kirk Yeaman are looking like England’s best centres since Keith Senior and Martin Gleeson, and all in all – if McNamara’s team match or better their defensive efforts against New Zealand, you sense a giant-killing could be on the cards.
Tomkins is a solid 5-4 to score anytime, while Hall looks a stand-out price to claim the final try of the game at 11-1 (both Skybet).
For those of you who are not buying into my wave of optimism triggered by last Saturday’s 28-6 success over the Kiwis, the Aussies are evens with Stan James to win by 13+ points.
All eyes will be on Lockyer – the master craftsman of creative rugby calling it a day. I just hope I’m watching the old warhorse Peacock finally lift some international silverware come the final whistle.
