KEY POINTS:
Greg Alexander
Former Warriors and Australian star
Winner: No call.
It's really tight, too tight to pick. The Kiwis have an edge with more dynamic forwards, whereas Australia have a back row which relies on work rate. Australia should play Cameron Smith at dummy half for 80 minutes. There's
no better player in the game there in terms of ballwork. Brent Webb is in terrific form for the Kiwis. The key to Australia is Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Karmichael Hunt. Lockyer and Hunt have a great combination.
Ivan Cleary
Warriors coach
Winner: Kiwis
I'm relying heavily on gut instinct. I like the Kiwis' short passing game. The physical contest will probably cancel itself out in the middle of the park. So it will come down to the team with a bit extra there, and I think the Kiwis forwards have a bit more variety and agility. If Willie Mason can have a big game though, it will swing things back towards Australia. I suspect the Kiwis will be thinking the same, which means Willie will come in for extra attention.
Steve Price
Warriors captain, recent Aussie forward
Winner: Australia
I've got to go for Australia but the Kiwis are going to be very dangerous. I believe they can improve on Wellington and that was streets away from Melbourne where they pretty much dominated Australia for 76 minutes. Australia will have to pull out everything. The forwards are the key - if Willie Mason can quit talking and worry about playing ... I believe that's a major reason why Australia have not been playing so well. The Kiwis' short passing game puts doubt into the defensive line. The Kiwis just tried to barge in the first two games and the Aussies like that. When you start throwing size, speed and agility at them, it's a different story. Ruben Wiki and Roy Asotasi really worked well together against the Brits in Wellington.
Tawera Nikau
Former Kiwi and NRL star
Winner: Kiwis
The Kiwis will be going in with a lot of confidence and I believe they'll win by four to six points. The Aussies haven't played that well so far, although I'm sure they'll be up for this. But with Ruben Wiki, Roy Asotasi and David Kidwell there, I think they have the wood on the Aussie forwards. It will be interesting to see if the Aussies start Willie Mason. If they do, it could work against them. He's hell bent on revenge and that could disrupt them and act in the Kiwis' favour. But I believe they will have him on the bench. The Australians have a backline of stars but the Kiwis defence has been very good, very committed, and they will be really pumped up. The major factor though is that the Kiwis have an edge in the forwards.
Duane Mann
Former Kiwi captain
Winner: Kiwis
I'm really confident of a Kiwi win by four. It would be a triumph for the coaches and players, and certainly nothing to do with the dandruff-covered, blazer-wearing NZRL administrators. Field position is vital and, although our kicking game might be a problem, our running game can get us into the right areas. I've always felt if we got to the final, Stacey Jones and Nigel Vagana would really step up. I've been impressed with Shontayne Hape. Steve Matai has had his angriest game and if he settles down, he hits really hard. Our forwards have got it over them. Roy Asotasi is building to a big game I feel, and Nathan Cayless is back in form. Willie Mason is a hindrance for Australia. They've only played well in patches.
