They surprised most with a deserved 20-12 victory over the Kiwi’s, but now it’s time to see if the English can really stand up and match it with the arguably the best league side in the world. However, I watched most of the Australia vs France match, and in honesty, I think it’s fair to say the Aussies haven’t reached the potential they offer (at least in the first half). Just looking at the sheer talent in the Australian side, they could probably field two squads if they wanted.

A shinning light in the eventual flogging of France were the performances of Penrith speedster Michael Jennings, and the Morris brothers. Jennings was quite superb, and Sheens will have to seriously consider whether Justin Hodges can hold his centre sport in the side. I’ve never really been a fan of Hodges, his love for himself seems quite unconditional, and ever since his antics in this year’s ‘Stage of Origin’, I’ve lost some respect for the guy. There’s no doubting he has great skill on the field, but I think the younger alternative in Jennings will really be able to torment the English.

The Morris brother’s were also impressive in front of their legendary father, proving they could well make a super combination on the left side of the Australian line. However, there is no way Greg Inglis won’t play in the final, so Josh Morris’ time might be up. But, they are definitely srong candidates for the future of Australian league.

Young English halves Kyle Eastmond and Sam Tomkins, meanwhile, shone in England’s win over New Zealand. A combination of good attacking play and defensive work was very impressive. I loved when Benji was getting fired up by Tomkins, a sign that the Englishman had won the battle over the Wests Tigers star. A strong performance from the halves should keep them very confident and motivated to take on the best halves worldwide in Jonathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer.

New Zealand’s performance was one I felt a tad disappointed about though. After seeing the way they played against Australia in their first game, I feared for the worse. They absolutely killed France in the next game, and after the English had to come from behind against France and were beaten pretty comfortably by Australia, it seemed like if the Kiwi’s continued to kick into gear and remove some of the stupid penalties from their game, they would have no problems in dismantling a fairly inexperienced England.

But to the English’s credit they stuck together and played as a unit. Coach, Tony Smith said that the players used revenge over Australia as motivation for their game against New Zealand, and if that was the case, it worked.

However, now that the Poms have made the final they NEED to perform. Let’s be honest here, there’s no doubt they’ve been touched up by the Aussies in recent times, so if they thought the game against the Kiwi’s was tough, think again. Ben Maulino’s try for New Zealand against England conveyed that England still have work to do to tie up some holes in their line that can be evident at times.

A positive for the Poms will be that whilst Australia has had the edge over them in recent times, the Aussies have fallen at the final hurdle over the past few years. Peacock will need to continue to lead from the front for the English frontline against a solid Australian row. But he did it against the Kiwi’s so no reason to stop trying. I fancy Jennings will get a call up; Tim Sheens would have to be a blind bat not to reward him for his sizzling display against France.

I think by the end it will come down to whether Australia can ‘click’ and if England can continue to play as a well-oiled unit. However, with the likes of Gregy Inglis and Billy the Kid making their returns, as much as I hate to say it, I think the Aussies will win the cup in a tight affair, 24-20.

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A proud British-born legend (well that’s what he says), The Gaff hails from the ghetto’s of Southampton (again his own words).