Australia and New Zealand head into this weekend in somewhat of a football frenzy – at least, their brand of football. The Rugby Union World Cup is about to finish the group stages in New Zealand while across the Tasman, the AFL and NRL play out their grand finals. Just to add a little confusion, the New Zealand Warriors will do battle with the Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL grand final – talk about cross Tasman rivalry. Still, from a punting point of view, there’s plenty of betting action available.
Starting with the AFL – they play their grand final in Melbourne early tomorrow where two teams that have dominated the code for the last five years go head-to-head for premiership honours. Collingwood are the defending title holders and they have had a tremendous season. They come up against former title holders Geelong – and they too have had a great season including a 90 point win against Collingwood a few weeks ago. Don’t expect such an easy time of it tomorrow however.
If you can get to one of the English pubs that are broadcasting the match live, do so – it will be good to watch. I believe they have lured Meatloaf to perform at half time. The betting? Collingwood finished on top of the team standings at the end of the season, but bookmakers have made them underdogs at 11/10. Geelong are quoted at 4/5 with the draw at 40/1. Last season saw a draw – surely we couldn’t have a repeat. We’re tipping Geelong since Collingwood have fallen over the line in their last two games.
In the NRL, it’s the old versus the new with Manly taking on the Warriors from New Zealand. Bookmakers have Manly at close to 1/2 while the Warriors are at 2/1 (the draw 20/1). The Warriors are just that, coming from no where to make it to the NRL grand final. They have a youthful team that plays like there’s no tomorrow. While Manly has the wise old heads of the game, one can’t help liking the way the Warriors play. We’re tipping an upset with a win to the Warriors – at good odds.
Can Ireland finish the group stages on top? That’s the question on everyone’s lips as they take on Italy on Sunday. Bookmakers think they can quoting them at 1/7 to win – Italy 6/1 and the draw 33/1. We think they can as well and that will set up an interesting first quarter final game between the Irish and the Welsh. Tomorrow, England take on Scotland in a game that should cement England’s place as group winners. England are 1/5 to win while Scotland are 11/2. The Scot’s haven’t done enough to suggest they can upset the English squad – England to win.