To round out the amazing year of Rugby League has had, Australia will face Tonga at 5.45pm in a test match for the ages.
It is a very big deal for Tonga as if they can come away with an upset over Australia as it could guarantee Tonga more future test match opportunities as well as being a massive encouragement for the game itself.
Australia didn’t start off their test campaign very well last week as New Zealand proved to be too good in attack winning 26-24.
Coach Mal Meninga has stayed with the same lineup as his new fresh side tries to secure a victory. For the first time in a long time, Australia is without the talented big three: Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater. But moving forward, James Tedesco, Damien Cook and Daly Cherry Evans are the replacements as well as the other key debutant Latrell Mitchell. They didn’t show much last week against the Kiwis and will need to put in a big performance so they can remain in the team.
Tonga, on the other hand, has a dominating forward pack which could prove a massive difference. One player, in particular, Jason Taumalolo. He can run all night, he is ferocious in defence and he is very talented with the ball in hand. The Aussie props Aaron Woods and David Klemmer will have some serious work to do as their ability to make metres hasn’t been the best as of late.
Tonga will put on a show and will take Australia to the limit but I think Australia will want this victory more.
My tip will be Australia by 12 and Tedesco to be the man of the match.
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By Jesse Mullens
