Tri Nations PreJudgement: Australia v New Zealand (Brisbane)

Suncorp Stadium is having its fair share of Finals this season, as today sees the last game of the 2011 Castle Tri-Nations and winner take all game between Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand have come off a loss to the Springboks while Australia have had the luxury of a bye. The log sees both the All Blacks and Wallabies on top with nine points and today's game a winner takes all encounter which couples as a nice boost with less than 2 weeks to the World Cup.

Both teams are fielding their best sides and it promises to be a great encounter with arguably the two best teams in the world. We get to see the likes of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper playing it out in the best game on earth.

As much as we have the two best backlines on display I think the battle upfront is going to be epic. Dan Vickerman has made a return to the international scene after some time away and he will be up against the man mountain, Brad Thorn, who's reputation as the enforcer is well know.
The loosies see Elsom, Pocock and Samo up against Thomson, McCaw and Read. It will be interesting to see who will have the upper hand in this facet of the game but entertain it will. I personally am glad to see Radike Samo back after some time in the wilderness but his move from a lock to a loose forward has clearly been a good move. All thanks for that move must go to Reds coach Ewen Mckenzie.

In the backs for Australia, get to see the ever exciting Anthony Faingaa start at 13 with Ashley-Cooper moving to wing after some discipline issues with James O'Connor. Anthony Faingaa has had a great season for the Reds and proved too much for the 'Boks to handle when he came on against them. Lets see how he fares against the slippery Conrad Smith. The All Blacks have the experience of Mils Muliaina and Ma'a Nonu to feed a great finisher in Zac Guildford and the deadly Corey Jane.

This is going to be a great encounter and we are hopefully going to see some quality running rugby, I am however a bit worried as 'finals'  never really deliver and it so so close to the World Cup.

PreJudgement: Australia by 5