Wales face a mammoth challenge on Sunday as they prepare to take on Australia in what will be the last game for veteran Lee Briers on the international stage (Wales 50/1, draw 66/1, Australia 1/250).

England have not played a rugby league Test at the national stadium since 1997 and now head-coach Steve McNamara and his men have their biggest challenge, when they take on Four Nations favourites Australia at Wembley on Saturday (9/2, draw 25/1, Australia 1/7 in the match betting).

England and Wales start their Four Nations campaign at Leigh on Saturday (Match Betting – England 1/100, draw 50/1, Wales 20/1), with Steve McNamara’s men going into the match as big favourites. Although the home team should win comfortably, the coach will be well aware how important a big score could be to set them up.

Ahead of their Four Nations campaign England (7/1 Four Nations outright) have been less than convincing but head-coach Steve McNamara and his players do have the ability to cause teams problems.

After another thrilling season of NRL and Super League action, the world’s top players will once again be representing their countries in the season ending Four Nations where New Zealand (11/4 Four Nations outright) will be looking to retain the title they won so valiantly in 2010.

Wales will still be hurting after their semi-final defeat to France but the squad is still extremely motivated to beat Australia in the World Cup third- place play-off for their captain Sam Warbuton (Wales 11/10, draw 20/1, Australia 8/11).

The rugby union focus is rightly on Sunday’s showdown between New Zealand and France in the World Cup final, but before that there is the small matter of the third-place play-off clash as Wales and Australia go head-to-head in Auckland (Wales 11/10, draw 20/1, Australia 8/11 – 80 Minute Betting).

The expectations of a nation are one step closer to being fulfilled, as New Zealand (1/10 World Cup outright) saw off the challenge of their neighbours Australia to book their place in the final of the World Cup.

France made the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in controversial circumstances at the expense of Wales on Saturday, but will it be 1/2 outright favourites New Zealand or 7/2 shots Australia who joins them in the Eden Park showpiece on October 23?

Wales are bracing themselves for the biggest game in their rugby history on Saturday, with France standing between them and their first-ever World Cup final. It promises to be a close contest between the familiar Six Nations foes but can Warren Gatland’s side do it?