I’ll be right up front from the start. I’ll be staggered if Australia and New Zealand don’t win their semis this weekend and knuckle down for one heck of a battle in the World Cup final.
That is the way most thought it would go and perhaps this is what the game deserves to polish off a tremendous tournament which has done much to spread the code’s gospel to many corners of the sporting globe.
We are heading for a double header at Wembley (early Sunday, AEST).
I see the all-round professionalism of the Kangaroos way too good for the plucky Fijians who will be trying everything they know to give their warrior Petero Civoniceva a shot at glory as he approaches retirement.
Sentiment is fine but it won’t be enough to make the difference in this one. I feel Australia is vastly superior in the backs and the team has the steel in defence to steamroll Fiji and power through to the decider.
It is clear to me that Tim Sheens’ men are still burning at losing the last World Cup to the Kiwis. They were on a mission when they left these shores and will do everything possible to restore the balance of power.
Even without the injured Billy Slater, I am tipping a comfortable Aussie win by 20 to 30 points. I think Greg Inglis at fullback will be unstoppable, but there is firepower aplenty in this team and it will not be denied.
The New Zealand-England game should be a heck of a lot closer.
The Kiwis, for mine, have been the most impressive team in the tournament – their defence has been truly outstanding and they have shown the ability to post points when they are needed.
I believe the England team leaders will need to make some tough calls about their team if they are to be any hope of toppling my beloved Kiwis.
For starters, I feel it is imperative that they choose all of the Burgess boys to give their forwards starch and impetus. It is going to be needed against the tearaway Kiwi pack, led by Sonny Bill Williams and Isaac Luke.
I would also urge them to pick Gareth Widdop at five-eighth. To me, Rangi Chase is not the man for a game of such importance. England needs a steadying influence at playmaker, a guy who eats up the pressure on the biggest stage and Widdop appeals to me as that character.
Over the years at the Melbourne Storm, Widdop has played as a superb foil to the likes of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Slater but every now and then he has been given the chance to shine in his own spotlight and he has done so effectively without grabbing the bold black headlines.
But enough about England, The Wizard shouldn’t be giving them too many clues.
New Zealand has really impressed me throughout their campaign. There is a nice blend of experience and youth and some exciting new combinations are coming to the surface.
I like the way that halfback Shaun Johnson has been attacking the line. He will prove to be a huge threat to England with his blinding speed and tricky footwork.
Young gun Roger Tuivasa-Shek is also finding his feet in international football incredibly fast. I’m tipping he will be the match-winner for the Kiwis with his ability to score tries when nothing seems on.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup to date – there have been lots of great contests and many new faces (and nations) have risen handsomely to make their mark.
For instance, I didn’t mind in the slightest when the unheralded USA Tomahawks made their exciting charge right through to the quarter final stage.
One of the positive features of the World Cup has been the refereeing. If the NRL bosses haven’t noticed a better flow and continuity in these games which has featured just one whistle-blower, I say they are blind.
I’d like to think that the controversial two-ref system has had its day and that sanity will prevail in our domestic competition in 2014 and beyond.
And while I am at it, if the NRL doesn’t have the video ref talking publicly through his decisions next season, questions should be asked. Is there anyone out there who doesn’t like this feature?
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Unlikley but thats how we have some of the best stories in sport.
islandstyle
Guest
If Fiji score first against Aus then their confidence rises and when that happens they start to play sevens style league throwing caution to the wind and if it's a dry track plus the crowd behind them then as with sports every now and again there's a fairytale moment.
Raugeee
Guest
I can't understand how people are saying that NZ have been impressive defensively this tournament, Their group was very weak, Fiji defeated Samoa by the same amount as NZ - 18 points. In the group stage NZ had 34 points scored against them. Same for their attack, sure it's easy to look good against nonexistent marker defence. I feel Kiwis are in for a rude shock against England.
Andy
Guest
England were good against Australia except for their lack of discipline and errors. If they improve in that area and put Foran, SBW, and Issac Luke off their game they should win.
Pom wa
Guest
-- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Pom wa
Guest
Why would you pick Tom Burgess. Was not good v the ozzies and isn't up to this standard of footy YET. Match up will be great in the forwards, Isaac Luke could destroy England. Some defensive questions with the kiwis but I'm not convinced Chase and Sinfield can exploit that. Can't wait for the games wish I could be there -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Johnno
Guest
No Manu Vatuvai is a big loss. He is an extra prop. I prefer 2 refs in a game, there has been so much off-side this world cup, every game both team rush up in defence, it makes bigger hits which is good but stifles attack, and for mine disrupts the flow of the game.
Boomshanka
Guest
Last time I was in Old Trafford, Gary Freeman was part of the Kiwi team that defeated Great Britain so good memories. Here's hoping for more.
WQ
Guest
Fiji will get flogged by Australia, the only fear is a possible injury for the Kangaroos. New Zealand vs England is the only game of interest, my pick is the Poms will pull off an inspirational game to beat the Kiwis, then go on to lose to the Kangaroos having played their final against the Kiwis!!!!!
Ken
Guest
It seems to be repeated as gospel that the Kiwi's are the form team of the tournament but wouldn't we all have been shocked if they were genuinely threatened in any of the games so far? Even so Samoa went with them for big sections of their game. Sure you can't mark them down for not playing a top-line team yet - you can only beat the teams in front of you - but I think it's going off early to proclaim them the team to beat based on performances against teams that were never a change of finishing in the medals. It's the same reason I'm not ready to proclaim Jarryd Hayne the best centre going around, he did everything he could have done, but it will count for nought if he gets found out against elite competition.
Kris Swales
Expert
Kiwis have looked ominous all tournament, but I do feel the Poms have been building nicely - whether they thrive under the Wembley pressure or crumble under it remains to be seen. From a strictly selfish viewpoint, I'd love to be sitting in the Old Trafford stands watching Australia against England. We'd also have a better chance of winning then.
Muzz
Guest
When you look at the AU and NZ rosters the amount of talent is mind blowing and if the weather condition prevail we should be in for an unforgettable clash.I think the NZ forward pack is the stronger of the 2 but our back line should dominate in both attack and defence.If it was to be a best out of 5 final series, i would pick Australia to win 3-2.
Col Quinn
Guest
Wiz, What if the harder recent rounds the Poms have played have hardened them more than the Kiwis? I have a feeling that the Poms have not played all their hands yet and have just done enough to win the games they needed to win. It is going to be a great semi-final series and Fiji are no easy beats but Australia should be in the final.
Zolton
Editor
Hey guys, you're right! We've amended the copy accordingly. Thanks, Zolton
Renegade
Roar Guru
Hahaha exactly :) From memory the Wiz said "I can't see any other team joining the big 3 in the semis apart from Tonga".... something along those lines.
John
Guest
I'm not sure if the kangaroos are the favorites. They look great but haven't been as impressive defensively as the kiwis. Plus going into a final after playing fiji isn't exactly going to steel the soul. I really can't wait to see what happens.
eagleJack
Guest
"My pre-tournament tip for Samoa to make the semis was shot down in flames". Mate you tipped Tonga to make the semis. /facepalm
Pickett
Guest
I still think Aussies are slight favourites ahead of Kiwis because of Thurston. SBW isn't the only once in a generation player with a hyphenated name. Roger Tuivasa Shek is a dead set megastar. He will leave a trail of fire in the NRL next year.
Rodney
Roar Pro
In the Fiji - Aus match I don't think the backs are where Australia clearly outranks Fiji but rather in the halves. Fiji's outside backs are lightning, as demonstrated against Samoa and will prove an interesting match up against the in form and deadly Australian backline. Where Fiji are less equiped is in their halves, who between them have 6 Nrl games under their belts. They supported well running and passing, however they didn't really demonstrate they were of an elite level with their kicking games and Australia may find them out through this.