The war of words has already begun for Friday night’s ANZAC test clash between Australia and New Zealand in Eden Park, centred around the controversial selection of prop James Tamou.

The New Zealand-born North Queenslander’s selection was no surprise but for the fact he is donning an Australian jersey, a defection that is sure to stir up the patriotic crowd.

New Zealand have not won an ANZAC test since their only victory in 1998, with the Kangaroos winning their 11 matches by an average of 21 points. “The figures don’t look great for the New Zealanders, however the spark of debutant Shaun Johnson at halfback may give the home side the boost they need,” says Luxbet’s Tristan De Luca.

Luxbet have rated Australia $1.36 favourites (NZ $3.20), giving away only 8 points at the line. “The New Zealanders have only come within 8 points in three of the twelve ANZAC tests” , states De Luca, “but we are throwing away our loyalties this week and are very keen to take on the Aussies.”

Australia Team Lineup:

Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Akuila Uate, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Paul Gallen, Cameron Smith, David Shillington, Sam Thaiday, David Taylor, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Hannant, James Tamou, Anthony Watmough.

New Zealand Players Lineup:

Josh Hoffman, Jason Nightingale, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Shaun Johnson, Sam McKendy, Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Adam Blair, Frank Pritchard, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Nathan Fien, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jesse Bromwich, Alex Glenn.

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Filed under: NRL Rugby League Betting

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