Game IV ? Great Britain v
Australia

Given the ramblings of the past few weeks, the silence between Australia and Great Britain has been deafening. In fact, they?re almost chummy.

Brian Noble has lashed out at Kiwi referee Glen Black regarding his policing of the dominant tackle rule, leading Wayne Bennett to suggest he should perhaps view tapes of the referee?s performance leading into the fourth game to be held at JJB Stadium just so everyone knows what page they?re on.

The calm waters betwixt the two camps evokes a certain unease and fear to which both sides would find themselves unaccustomed. But when you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

A failure at Wigan almost certainly relegates Great Britain to the scrapheap for this year?s tournament. However, after last week?s hit out against New Zealand the Brits would think themselves in slightly better shape than the Aussies too. Australia has a new halves combination lacking the genius of Andrew Johns and they are taking a couple of injuries into the game.

This might indicate that the Kangaroos are a bit worried by what may take place, hence their quiet disposition. Noble has again selected more halves than necessary, but it would appear he has settled for Harris and Horne around the scrum. I think this is a pretty good combination. It will test the new Lockyer-Prince arrangement, that may well pop up at the Broncos in 2007.

Australia?s forwards have struggled in their efforts to dominate the opposition. Will this happen again? Maybe...Whilst I could understand the use of Mark O?Meley off the bench last year as Bennett?s only impact player, I?m struggling to see his use this time around. The Aussies have two passive front rowers in Price and Civoniceva starting the match, then at some stage Ryles and O?Meley will be let loose into the action. I think this is a poor tactic in that it starves the Aussies of a flamboyant wrecking ball in the opening exchanges.

The Lions can take the early advantage through the aggression of Morley and Fielden rendering any impact from Australia?s interchanges to play catch-up. I?m still puzzled by the selection of Barrett on the bench. There is no doubt this guy can play footy, but I just don?t think he?s serving Australia from acting half when he gets on the field. It really does highlight Australia?s lack of a genuine utility who can switch between the forwards and backs if needed.

This is s big call, but I think the Lions can win here. They?ve only had the one game under their belts and must have plenty of improvement in them, whereas Australia has only diminished through the loss of Johns. Providing Great Britain can keep their cool, which is a big ?if?, I feel they can really take the game to the Aussies and keep the series alive with a cheeky victory.

Brian Carney (pictured) has a bit to make up for, too.