And so the scene is set for a showdown between Australia and England in the Four Nations rugby league final at Elland Road on Sunday morning (our time).
Both teams had their final hit-out last weekend, England with an impressive win over titleholders New Zealand followed by the Kangaroos downing Wales quite comfortably in the end.
‘‘In the end’’ was the key to how Australia performed against a spirited Wales side.
No doubt England coach Steve McNamara and his assistants would have noted the dangerous kicking game of experienced Wales five-eighth Lee Briers who was instrumental in his team leading 8-0 for most of the first half.
Incidentally, this was Briers’ final game for Wales and what a tremendous rugby league player he has been.
As the Australian coach of the century Jack Gibson used to say, he’s quick between the ears.
If the final was between Great Britain - rather than England and Australia - Briers would be a shoo-in to play, providing a steadying influence and tactical kicking game to put questions to the Australian defence.
But Briers is ineligible for this game so that’s that.
It’s up to McNamara to produce the unexpected if England is to beat the Kangaroos. And that will be a big ask as Australia will be well aware of their shortcomings and will overcome them.
A feature of the England win over New Zealand was their solid teamwork, interspersed with the individual brilliance of fullback Sam Tomkins - a seriously exciting talent - and the continuing presence of winger Ryan Hall which makes them a dangerous proposition.
In England’s past two games, they’ve played under contrasting refereeing performances.
In their match against Australia, the Poms were on the receiving end of some dubious decisions including that incredible no-try for a supposed double movement, which it clearly wasn’t.
Then last Sunday morning (our time), England did have the rub of the green especially with the forward pass for the opening try.
Let’s hope that this Sunday’s final will not be decided on refereeing decisions.
That said, England were the better team against New Zealand.
Fair enough, the Kiwis were their own worst enemy, giving England a handy leg up (and cynical leg twist on one cruel occasion) with some serious lack of discipline.
Australia will relish the return of captain Darren Lockyer for his final match.
If the Kangaroos require any added incentive - and they shouldn’t - to send Lockyer out a winner is enough of a reason in itself.
Looking at the final, so far England have shown that they are capable of springing an upset but they will have to play consistently over the entire 80 minutes.
Otherwise Australia will prevail. The Kangaroos need only half a chance and they will grab it.
Realistically Australia should win. Greg Inglis is getting fitter with every run and that spells danger for England.
An in-form Inglis together with the magical 9-7-6-1 combination of Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Lockyer and Darius Boyd should give Australia the edge when it counts.
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