I can see NZ stumbling a bit here and Wales having a good game. I can't imagine NZ losing, but I can imagine the score board not flattering them very much.

How so? I thought Wales did well against England and copped a heavy defeat. A couple of former players are in the press saying they've a chance of winning the game, but I can't see it even getting close to happening.

Well, Wales played well last week and probably feel they conceded more than they should. Plus, they'll be pumped up for the match with it being at Wembley.

NZ have all their injuries and have two woeful performances against the Aussies under their belt. Their defence for large portions of last week was lathargic and dreadful. I suppose defeat for the large protion of their team at the NRL Grand Final will effect their approach to this comp; emotionally and mentally it could well have a significant effect.

If Briers and Harris can get their boys up for it and if they can get off on the right foot and maintain pressure I can see them causing the Kiwis some problems. I'm not saying it will happen or is likely to happen, just think there is the possibility of Wales really bothering them. Its the mental aspect; Wales wanting it and NZ not being able to get up for it.

New Zealand by 40/50 points, I can't see Wales being at all competitive here.

I'd say about 50

NZ by 60+

Seems to me that NZ have a bit of an incentive to win by loads. In the unlikely event of England winning on Saturday, it could come down to points difference.

34-12

Oh good, I'm not alone...

its cos this kiwi side is on a par with the kiwi team that came up here in 2007...and got beat 3-0 and very nearly lost to france too

Zackley!

Wales are getting a 46 point start on the handicap, I assume you will be getting stuck in.

Ooft, William Hill has NZ to win by 11-15 at 20/1 and 16-20 at 18/1.

England to win by 1-5 at 9/1 and 6-10 at 16/1.

With those sort of odds I may well get stuck in.

Ouch!

This squad has been weakened with the Beast dropping out along with a score of good centres. But this squad is better than the shell of a squad that came over then. Better pack and halves for starters. You like to hark back to that squad. Time does move on.

Vatuvei has had a very poor year, truth told. Probably more effective than Fai-fai Loa but in his current form not by much

I think Wales will be competitive for 20-25 minutes and it might be close at halftime. Kiwis will stretch out to a convincing win in the second half.

But it would be nice if it was a close game, I suspect that the Kiwis would start to fall apart if it were close after 65 minutes. Just an opinion.

My thoughts as well, come on boyos!

England squad announced - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=87

England squad announced - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=87

Quote ="justarugbyfan"England squad announced - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=87'" Unchanged, eh? Cheers Mac, now the hysterical cries of the doom-mongering will be deafening!

Quote ="justarugbyfan"England squad announced - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=87'" Unchanged, eh? Cheers Mac, now the hysterical cries of the doom-mongering will be deafening!

Wales squad - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=88

Wales squad - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=88

One positive to come from an unchanged squad is the consistency factor. The players should be very familiar with each other now after 2 games and 3 weeks together.

I bet they still don't have a clue what Chase will do at any given time

Australia squad - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=89

Australia squad - www.rlfans.com/index.php?fid=43&id=89

I can guarantee what he won't do, release the ball early to players in support. I would rather see Widdop at 6 from the start, maybe bring Chase on later when there's a bit less structure to the game (not that the Aussies alter much to the 80th).