At Twickenham tomorrow we could see history made. This is the last game that the All Blacks will play in 2013 and should they beat England they will be the first team to go 13 from 13 in a year. An amazing record for an amazing team. Whilst things on the field have gone swimmingly for Coach Steve Hansen today’s Telegraph revelations of the coaching rooms staffs claims have really fired up the local media and no doubt provided England with some extra incentive and created some red faces in the All Blacks camp. Damage done to New Zealand – nil in my book. Just minor distractions from the main agenda.
The winning record this year is even more incredible when you think that every team who plays against the All Blacks brings their best game and for 40-50 and sometimes 60 minutes they threaten to do what no other team has done before them this year and that is win – but they don’t because class wins out. The All blacks are an amazing blend of experience, talent and youth. As their record shows, no weaknesses anywhere in the park. Stars? Well all over the field. Richie McCaw, amazing, Kieran Read – the best no 8 in the world, Dan Carter earns his 100th Cap at Fly Half, so they are unbeatable, right? wrong? Will they win – probably but not definitely and the reasons why are as follows. Firstly because England are a very good team, with a great attitude, a winning coach and a very deep bench. Secondly because they have real belief in their ability and they will play the people in front of them, not the aura or the team and that is something no one else has been able to do this year. The others keep playing the perception and not the player.
England know they can win because they did this time last year and when Steve Hansen publicly says it was England first and then clear daylight last year you know the scars run deep.
The problem for England is that this is New Zealand’s grand final and not just a lead up game to the six nations. England have only played twice this season and they have got better with each match and they will improve again for this outing.
Like in all big games its mistakes that lose for teams rather than individual brilliance that wins it and I expect this to be the same. Its a shame that Alex Corbiserio cant play tomorrow (knee) but Dan Coles is still a world class forward who knows how to win and I don’t expect the All Blacks to push the England forwards around. They may have the edge in the centres but I don’t think they are clear cut winners in the backs duel. So who will use the ball best from the ruck, who is quick enough and creative enough to punch holes in the defence? Is Dan Carter too slow now, he certainly has the brain to create problems. Battle of the kickers? I don’t think so. I just see a marginal advantage across the park for the All Blacks and so probably they win.
The thing is New Zealand are 1/10 to win tomorrow and I just don’t think that’s the right price. I genuinely priced them up at 1/3 so if you have a Betdaq account lay New Zealand and I guarantee at some stage they will trade at 1/2 or thereabouts, then take your profit and invest it all in backing them to win.
For those of you who only like fixed prices then cheer England on +14 at 10/11 with Bet365, 4 units win