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International Rugby League: England seek series win over Kiwis

| 07.11.2015
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Matt Haynes | November 6, 2015

England v New Zealand

  • Rugby League international
  • Saturday, November 7th
  • Kick-off: 14:30
  • Olympic Stadium, London
  • Live on BBC1

England expects in second Test thriller

The nature of the fightback against New Zealand in the first test at the KC Stadium suggests that this England side actually do have what it takes to finally challenge at the very top.

In the end, it was quite comprehensive, the final score finishing 26-12 to Steve McNamara’s side. Odds-on at 4/9 with Coral to win the match, this price suggests that England are heavily in the driving seat.

Rugby League - International Test Series - First Test - England v New Zealand - KC Stadium

However, this Kiwi outfit should not be written off. Yes, they have left the supremely talented Shaun ‘Magic’ Johnson at home. However, they do have quality scattered throughout who won the last World Cup.

On the flip side, England aren’t at full strength either. With Sam Tomkins, as well as George and Luke Burgess all unavailable and Wigan Warriors talent Dominic Manfredi not picked, that is at least four players who would all be competing for a starting spot, however McNamara has equally talented options.

Challenge Cup kings, Super League winners and Grand Final champions with Leeds Rhinos, Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins form a formidable combination in the backs at wing and centre respectively and either player’s odds of 8/1 and 10/1 respectively to score first a worth considering, while the equally gifted Joe Burgess on the other wing is also 8/1 in this market.

Fearless Ferres can be difference again

Huddersfield hero Brett Ferres has been superb in England’s last two matches, having transferred his great Giants form from this season across to international duty. In the first test, he picked up where he left off in the warm-up landslide victory over France in which he scored a hat-trick, with a brace of tries. He is a superb 7/4 price in the anytime market and made a shocking revelation after the first test, admitting that his grandad still pays him for each try; a tradition that has continued since he was a boy.

Rugby League - International Test Match - England v France - Leigh Sports Village

“My grandad still pays me! It’s nice to get them [tries] and obviously they make a massive difference in what we’re trying to achieve, so if they are there for me then obviously I’ll gladly accept them,” Ferres said.

Kiwi forward threat can worry England

Tohu Harris and Sam Moa both crossed in the first test, and the Kiwi pack could again cause McNamara’s side problems. The duo are 10/3 and 6/1 anytime respectively, though there are plenty of threats in the backs as well.

Jason Nightingale, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Shaun Kenny-Dowall have pace and trickery, with the trio 12/1, 12/1 and 11/1 to breach the in-goal area first.

Whatever happens at the Olympic Stadium fans can be guaranteed that there will be 34 gladiators on show.

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Coral’s top tip: After a strong showing last time out, back Brett Ferres to score anytimwe with Coral @ 7/4 odds

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Author

Matt Haynes

A long-suffering Leeds fan, Matt studied Sports Journalism at university, and has a plethora of multi-industry experience. Having worked on behalf of multiple hedge funds and top-tier investment banks in executive search, he has also had a stint with the BBC and the Press Association. Outside of work, he pursues entrepreneurial activities and likes to keep fit.
Although he has interviewed current England manager Roy Hodgson as well as Rafa Benitez and a number of other names, he is honoured to have spent time in the company of Gordon Banks. Matt enjoys cultivating long-lasting professional and personal relationships, is solution orientated, and supports Coral’s sports content provision.