International Rugby League: Series decider for England against Kiwis
Published:
Matt Haynes | November 12, 2015
England v New Zealand
- Rugby League International
- Saturday, November 14th
- Kick-off: 13:00 GMT
- DW Stadium, Wigan
- Live on BBC One
Huddersfield Giants star Jermaine McGilvary is set to make his debut for the deciding fixture between England and New Zealand.
Can McNamara’s men handle the pressure?
England are once again odds-on favourites at 4/6 to beat New Zealand, however, despite a comfortable victory in the end, during the first Test, they were pegged back in a narrow 9-2 loss a week later.
Historically, England have crumbled under the pressure when it matters, especially against New Zealand or Australia, so a win will be a huge psychological boost.
With a number of key Kiwi players left at home, both sides are relatively evenly matched. The only try-scorer from last time out, Shaun Kenny-Dowall highlighted his threat in the Olympic Stadium, crashing over in the corner, and as result, his odds of 10/1 to breach the in-goal area first are worth considering. Sam Moa, who crossed in the first game is always threatening anywhere around the five metre line and at 8/1 anytime, offers promise.
For the hosts, Ryan Hall, Joe Burgess and Kallum Watkins are all dangerous if afforded time and space, so their individual first-scorer odds of 9/1, 10/1 and 12/1 respectively have reason to catch the eye.
McGillvary magic
There is no doubting this player’s terrific talent. One of Super League’s standout players last term, he is the one to watch and odds-on at 4/5 to score anytime, it is an indicator of how much impact he can have on the game if he transfers his close-season form into this clash.
However, he will not have teammate Leroy Cudjoe for company on-field, with the duo having struck up a great relationship for the Giants, though there is plenty of promise in this England set-up.
In particular, Brett Ferres, who also hails from the Giants has been in fantastic form over the last two matches and scored a brace in the victory at the KC Stadium. He is well priced at 9/4 to cross anytime.
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