This highly anticipated opener could go either way. I wouldn't read to much into England's friendly defeat by Italy, as they will be fired up for this one, and the forwards will have a big part to play. The Aussies could be a bit rusty having not played any friendlies at all.

Australia's team is obviously better, but IMO their team selection is wrong. Had Jennings and Hayne been chosen ahead of Tate and Brett Morris, their 3/4 line would look far more dangerous and dynamic. I also reckon that Cherry-Evans if not starting at 7 should at least have been on the bench as the utility player.

Prediction - Australia by 8

My heart hopes for a close game my head, expecting the usual McNamara tried-and-failed team selection, suggests an Aussie victory by 16.

England by 8

Good man. I hope you are correct. I'll be there but more in hope than expectation.

I'll be there also RG proudly wearing my Wales top!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just hope that we can get an England & Wales 'double' because that would be a great start to the tournament!!!!

Slightly depressed after watching the RLWC08 highlights on Premier Sport. I'd forgotten just how much of a spanking (52-4) Australia gave us in the group stage

Think we are a bit optimistic here.

Australia by 25 points

I fear that it will be a pasting...still, upsets can always happen, especially in the first game of a tournament

I doubt they'll need to kick a drop goal. Though 26-1 is a feasible scoreline, I guess

Australia by at least 40.

If England can keep it tight then Australia by 24.

If they can't then Australia by 48.

Us by six. Some of their lads haven't played since early September. Come on England!

England to win in good fashion - Aussies to win the competition.

Australia by 30+ . Hope I'm wrong but I just can't see it.

Who's going to play fullback?

Err, Tomkins?

What a week. First we have players going on the lash and hock failing to attend a training session. Followed by half the superleague clubs walking out of a rfl/hetherington ambush and now mcnamara having his own walkout. So I'm expecting the aussies to get into the spirit of things with half their team refusing to take the field for the second half in protest at englands contempt for the game. So fingers crossed we take advantage of this and keep the scoreline respectable.

Obvious thing to say, but I think the longer England can keep it tight, the closer the final score will be.

I suspect we'll keep it close for the first 5 minutes or so!

I would be happy if there is just few points in it right the way through to the end,but feel that our preparations have been hampered by the shenanigans of last weekend in the game and players disobeying rules will have a detrimental effect on us.
I just hope we don't get humiliated a it could turn the whole competition into a further laughing stock. On the other hand though, it might get us some space in the papers.

Hope none of you are gambling men!

I was really pleased for Chris Hill. He had an outstanding game and got himself noticed (in my opinion). When you consider he was with Leigh in 2011 and only 2 years later steps up against a team which represents the pinacle of our game - top marks to the lad. Fully deserves his place for me - he must be a right grafter to get himself up there.