Same result. We all expected it to be a Kiwis/Kangaroos final. But the manner in which we got there should have the most impact.

In the weeks leading up to the competition we heard numerous complaints about the Four Nations, player work load, over saturation of league blah blah blah. Most of it came from Australia.

I’ve ranted about it before but the media and administrators of rugby league in Australia need to realise they are the key to growing the game. The media continually highlight that league is behind the AFL in the Australian market. The distinct advantage that league has over Aussie Rules is that there is the beginnings of international competition.

International growth is key to any sports expansion and, most importantly for the administrators and media, profit.

The NRL and Super League are perfect platforms to help develop the international game but the inward focus on the NRL and State of Origin is detrimental. A shift in focus toward developing the international game could actually go a long way to benefitting the NRL as a competition. But this world turns slowly.

Anyway, rant over. To the final we look. If the Wellington decider continues the excitement and edge-of-your-seat nature of the round robin then expect Ray Warren to pull out his hair and Andrew Voss to lose his voice

The fact that coming into the last round every team could still qualify for the final highlights the awesomeness of the tournament.

The Kangaroos shifted up a gear against Toa Samoa. Their slimmer pack had taken its punishment against the Kiwis and England, but big men David Klemmer, Aaron Woods and Josh Papalii added some starch. However, they took on a worn down Samoan pack and the likes of Jesse Bromwich and Adam Blair will provide a tougher test.

Though smaller, this Australian pack has a quick and dynamic edge. Greg Bird, Boyd Cordner and Josh Jackson are all very handy edge runners. Then when Tim Sheens throws on Ben Hunt they have four dangerous play makers. Four points of attack for the aforementioned edge runners, Greg Inglis and Michael Jennings to run off. So, like in the first test, slowing down their ruck and limiting space and time for DCE/Cronk/Smith/Hunt will be vital.

However, I also see this four-pronged attack as a weakness on defence. By doing this, they make an already small pack lighter. Cameron Smith is a very handy defender but he is still dwarfed by Bromwich, Taumalolo and Blair. On defence the Kiwis big boppers should be directed at Smith and Hunt. Not only does this wear them out but more importantly it should give the Kiwis quick play the balls.

Coming into the last 20 minutes (when Hunt tends to brought on) quick ball for Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran could terrorise the ‘Roos defence. Each of our halves have developed nice combinations with their loose forwards (Foran/Mannering, Johnson/Proctor) and have dangerous running games themselves.

Either way it goes, another breath-taking match of international league would go down well.