Later this week tri-series and world cup champions, Australia, will do battle with England to decide who will take home the tri series cup for 2004. Both nations have named strong sides with a nice mixture of youth and experience. The ASRL Weekly Magazine takes a look at each side and weighs up its chances of winning.

FULLBACKS
Mat Rogers vs. Kris Radlinski
You couldn't ask for two more in form players. Mat Rogers, making the switch to fullback after making a name for himself on the wing, is a class player in every meaning of the word- but Radlinski is no slouch either, his form ruling North Queensland's fortunes in the year gone by's finals series.
Winner: Australia

WINGERS
Joel Monaghan and Timana Tahu vs. Jason Robinson and Darren Albert
Monaghan's selection was a surprise to some, but his form for North Queensland was quite good. Tahu, as a member of Wellington's consistently powerful squad, has become a staple in Australian sides. Opposite them are Sydney's Jason Robinson, one of the game's best wingers, and Gold Coast bound Darren Albert. It's an even match in attacking potency, with the English defense on the wing slightly ahead.
Winner: England

CENTRES
Brent Tate and Matthew Gidley vs. Martin Gleeson and Leon Pryce
The omission of Keith Senior from the backline is unusual, but Martin Gleeson and Leon Pryce are both powerful players in their own right. Tate and Gidley are two world class centres, and should be a little stronger than the Capetown star and the Newcastle utility.
Winner: Australia

FIVE EIGHTH
Darren Lockyer vs. Paul Sculthorpe
A mouth-watering battle, with Sculthorpe are a slight advantage due to his superior experience in five eighth. This will be Lockyer's first game in the stand off position after spending most of his career in fullback.
Winner: England

HALFBACK
Andrew Johns vs. Paul Deacon
Deacon earns an international baptism of fire against the world's greatest halfback, but Deacon will remember Johns from Central's Grand Final loss to Johns' Crusade. Deacon's field kicking game put him slightly ahead of incumbent Derek Gateshead, and bolter- Sean Long.
Winner: Australia

PROPS
Shane Webcke and Steven Price vs. Edward Hoartshire and Stuart Fielden
A very close fought battle here. Shane Webcke and Stuart Fielden are two of the game's biggest and most aggressive forwards- but Fielden's ability to play the full eighty minutes may be an ace in the English pack. Hoartshire is a slightly less glamorous player than Falcon, Steven Price.
Winner: Draw

HOOKER
Danny Buderus vs. Terry Newton
Newton enjoyed a less than great year at Carnarvon this season, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, Danny Buderus won a grand final with the Crusade. Buderus is rated by many as the greatest hooker in the modern game.
Winner: Australia

SECOND ROWERS
Nathan Hindmarsh and Craig Fitzgibbon vs. Adrian Morley and Jamie Peacock
The one area where England are at a clear advantage. The poor form of the likes of Gorden Tallis leaves Australia with the Parramatta pairing of Craig Fitzgibbon and Nathan Hindmarsh. Both are damaging players, but may find themselves struggling to contain the likes of Adrian Morley and Jamie Peacock- two of the game's finest forwards.
Winner: England

LOCK
Ben Kennedy vs. Kevin Sinfield
Australia find themselves at a slight disadvantage here, with Kennedy a more respected player, but Sinfield in far superior form following his win at the Dally M awards for both lock and player of the year.
Winner: England

BENCH- Australia
Ryan O'Hara, Mark O'Meley, Steve Simpson, and Brett Hodgson
The Aussies have obviously gone for a power game, with O'Meley and O'Hara two of the toughest forwards going around. Steve Simpson, who was only narrowly ousted by Craig Fitzgibbon for second rower of the year, will add some mobility to the pack. Perennial bench-man Brett Hodgson is the spark.

BENCH- England
Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Tickle, Mike Forshaw, and Andy Farrell
A very strong bench from the English. Wilkinson will no doubt deputise in five eighth or halfback should the starting combination struggle against his Crusade team-mate. Tickle earns his first international cap after an outstanding year for defunct Hobart, whilst Forshaw and Farrell join the squad from Capetown.

Winner: Australia

Prediction
Australia are the reigning champions, and with good reason. Most coaches would cream in their pants for a halves pairing such as Australia's, and it should be the difference.

Australia by 14

Wow lots of little Cougars running around...so i'll tip England by 4 :huh: