THE BIG MATCH

Australia v New Zealand. Tonight, Suncorp Stadium, 8pm (Sydney time).

What the Aussies say


They've used their Tri-Nations final loss to the Kiwis in 2005 as a reminder that anything can happen. "[The Kiwis] didn't let us forget it in a hurry and we don't want to be that team again," said Craig Fitzgibbon.

What the Kiwis say


They're not backing away from the challenge. "We're well aware of the enormous task in front of us, but that doesn't frighten us," said coach Stephen Kearney. "It doesn't deter us from doing our very best."

What Prichard says


The Kiwis bob up with a win over the Aussies every few years, but this won't be one of those times. They haven't got the team capable of an ambush against an opponent playing too well. The Kiwis have improved since the Aussies belted them 30-6 at the start of the tournament, but they haven't improved that much.

For the Aussies to win


They don't have to change anything - just bump the intensity up another notch. They've got the no-nonsense props who will make the tough metres, the back-rowers who can do damage running wide of the ruck, the champion halves and the speed and opportunism in the backs.

For the Kiwis to win


They aren't good enough to do it on their own. No matter how well they play, they'll need the Aussies to be off their game.

The X-factor


Can Wayne Bennett talk the Kiwis into winning? He might only be their assistant coach, but there is such an aura about him the players will be hanging off every word he says. Maybe he will come up with the perfect line, but it will have to be a ripper to turn things New Zealand's way.

What the bookies say


You can have 18.5 points start if you want to back the Kiwis at the line. Head to head, the Aussies are as short as $1.10, with as much as $7.20 available for the Kiwis.

The late mail


Kangaroos forward Paul Gallen, who was in doubt with a corked thigh, trained yesterday and is expected to play.

The teams


AUSTRALIA: B Slater, J Monaghan, G Inglis, I Folau, D Williams, D Lockyer (c) , J Thurston, B Kite, C Smith, P Civoniceva, A Laffranchi, G Stewart, P Gallen. Interchange: K Hunt, C Fitzgibbon, A Tupou, J Perry.

NEW ZEALAND: L Hohaia, S Perrett, J Ropati, S Mannering, M Vatuvei, B Marshall, N Fien, N Cayless (c), T Leuluai, A Blair, B Harrison, D Fa'alogo, J Smith. Interchange: I Luke, G Eastwood, S Rapira, S Manu.

Lardy's lobster


Billy Slater has try written all over him and you can get as much as $11 about him being the first tryscorer and $11 about him being the last. Split the lobster and have $10 on each.
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