Australia v New Zealand preview

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Injury-hit title holders face rejuvenated Aussies.

Mal Meninga's new era at the Kangaroos saw this Test side announced a week earllier than normal - confusing some, and giving plenty of confidence to those backing a victory for the Kiwis. Some interesting selections, including Blake Ferguson on the wing and fitting Josh Dugan in at centre, left many believing the Kiwis, who won last year's mid-season Test, were on track for a second consecutive mid-year Test victory.

That was, until the Kiwi side was named. Sadly for this year's one-off Test match, the men from across the ditch will be missing up to ten players, including Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Kieran Foran, Dean Whare, Simon Mannering, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Sia Soliola (to name a few). This leaves New Zealand rather short in key positions. Tohu Harris and Lewis Brown - both better known as back rowers - will fill in at five-eighth and hooker respectively, while Jordan Kahu will don the number one in place of Tuivasa-Sheck. As a result it's hard to see the Kangaroos not reclaiming the annual Billy Kelly Cup.

Last meeting: Mid-Year Test 2015 - Kangaroos 12 Kiwis 26

Last year the Kiwis won the mid-season test for the first time since 1998, which was also the first time the fixture had been played in daylight for over a decade. In fact, New Zealand are undefeated in their last three games against the Australians dating back to 2014, having defeated the 'Roos last year and in both Four Nations contests in 2014. Australia's last win was a comfortable 30-18 victory at Allianz Stadium two years ago.

Who to watch: The impact of Michael Morgan off the bench cannot be underestimated. Given the weaknesses in the New Zealand spine, Australia will be leaving nothing to chance. With Thurston, Cronk and Smith controlling things and the experienced Darius Boyd at the back, Morgan is not only sensational cover if one of them goes down injured, but a valuable utility anywhere on the park (except maybe prop). If he gets a decent amount of minutes, watch for him to steal the show from his more seasoned counterparts.

Patchy form at club level hasn't stopped Shaun Johnson from being saddled with the responsibility of guiding the Kiwis in this one. Of the New Zealand spine, none of the four who played in last year's post-season Test series in England appear on Friday's teamsheet, leaving the returning Johnson as the leader in the middle of the field. It will be on him to get the best out of his makeshift five-eighth and hooker as the Trans-Tasman rivals look to beat the odds in the most unlikely manner.

The favourite: Australia are almost unbackable favourites given the Kiwis' injury woes - compounded by the late withdrawal of Roosters' outside back Shaun Kenny-Dowall with an ankle injury.

My tip: Can't go past the Aussies here. The inexperience of the visitors won't stack up against the seasoned veterans in the green and gold. Which is sad, because a big win for the hosts is likely to cover up a few flawed selections by the new Australian brains trust. Australia by 18.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Semi Radradra 3. Greg Inglis 4. Josh Dugan 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Johnathan Thurston 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Matthew Scott 9. Cameron Smith 10. Paul Gallen 11. Josh Papalii 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Josh Mcguire 15. Michael Morgan 16. James Tamou 17. Sam Thaiday

1. Jordan Kahu 2. Jason Nightingale 6. Tohu Harris 4. Gerard Beale 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 14. Kodi Nikorima 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Lewis Brown 10. Adam Blair 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Manu Ma'u 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 21. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Greg Eastwood 16. Martin Taupau 17. Sam Moa

Referees: Gerard Sutton; Sideline Officials: Jeff Younis, Shane Rehm; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Ashley Klein;