England (+16) v Australia
There was a huge gap in the quality of the two games last weekend, you can't compare England v France with Australia v New Zealand.
Australia were rusty in that 20-20 draw with the Kiwis, the combination of Darren Lockyer and Jonathan Thurston lacked cohesion. They'll be better for the run and I'm delighted to see they have finally picked four front-rowers in their starting 17.
England will have a partisan crowd behind them but they need to improve on last week's display. The will definitely be better but Australia to win and cover for me.
I like the fact Robbie Farah is in to share the hooking duties with Cameron Smith and expect a much improved display from Lockyer.
England are very inexperienced in the halves and that is a crucial area. Their attacking play hasn't flourished for some time now and that is a major worry.
They were poor in the World Cup, poor last week and Australia will be too strong. The start is the top end of my range but I still have to go for Lockyer, Thurston and co to cover it. They are much stronger in the halves and three-quarters and that will be the decisive factor.
France (+40) v New Zealand
Last week's game with England was France's Grand Final and while they led at half-time and gave a good account of themselves, I fear for them in this one.
They aren't helped by injuries and suspension this week and I felt New Zealand were the better team against Australia last week.
If that match didn't take too much out of them, they will win well. I was very impressed with the power in their forwards and the speed of their general play.
I can't see France improving at all but will New Zealand ease off in the last quarter with the game won? Hopefully not. I take them to win and cover.
Preview posted at 1730GMT on 29/10/2009.
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