Saturday night’s match one-off rugby test match between Australia and England is shaping up to be a great match. The Captain Cook Cup will be up for grabs, but perhaps more significantly the match is a replay of last years Rugby World Cup final.

Both teams have lost some players through injury. However the sides that take the field will be strong although Australia will be a slight favourite to win.

Prop Tim Payne will make his debut for England replacing Trevor Woodman who is out because of an injured shoulder. The only other change to England’s run-on side is Mike Catt replacing Stuart Abbott at outside centre. Abbott is also out because of an injured shoulder.

For Australia utility back Mark Gerrard is out after tearing his hamstring during training, only hours after being named in the team.

Australia at $1.35 is a the bookmakers clear favourite to win the match over England who are at odds of $3.15. Personally I feel the game will be a bit closer than those odds suggest.

Australia: Joe Roff, Wendell Sailor, Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Stephen Larkham, George Gregan (captain), David Lyons, Phil Waugh, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe, Justin Harrison, Alastair Baxter, Brendan Cannon, Bill Young.

Reserves: Matt Dunning, Jeremy Paul, Daniel Vickerman, George Smith, Clyde Rathbone, Matt Henjak, Chris Latham

England: Josh Lewsey, Tom Voyce, Mike Catt, Mike Tindall, Ben Cohen, Charlie Hodgson, Andy Gomarsall, Lawrence Dallaglio (captain), Richard Hill, Joe Worsley, Steve Borthwick, Simon Shaw, Julian White, Mark Regan, Tim Payne.

Reserves: Steve Thompson, Will Green or Mike Worsley, Martin Corry, Michael Lipman, Matt Dawson, Fraser Waters, Olly Barkley.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 25th, 2004 at 4:06 am and is filed under Australia, England. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.