Three questions: Should the Kiwis be regarded as favourites?

Shaun Johnson of New Zealand celebrates after scoring a try during the Four Nations Final between the New Zealand Kiwis and the Australian Kangaroos. Photo / Getty Images.

Herald rugby league experts David Skipwith and Michael Burgess answer three key questions ahead of the Anzac test between the Kiwis and the Kangaroos tonight.

1. Where will it be won?
Michael Burgess - To invoke an Anzac theme, in the trenches. The New Zealand forwards had a clear advantage over their Australian counterparts in last year's Four Nations but things will be more even tonight.

The return of Matt Scott, James Tamou, Nate Myles and Luke Lewis is a huge boost for the home side while the Kiwis have lost one of their main strike weapons in Jason Taumalolo.

Aside from the battle between the packs, ball control will be crucial in the wet conditions; whoever can dictate possession and territory in the wet conditions will hold the upper hand.

David Skipwith: Up front in the forwards. Both teams possess terrific backlines but their impact will be limited unless either side's big men can assert themselves over their opposites.

The Kangaroos were dominated by the Kiwis' forwards during last year's Four Nations and they will be expected to front up and contain New Zealand's starting props, Jesse Bromwich and Ben Matulino, along with dynamic bench men Martin Taupau, Greg Eastwood and Sam Moa.

The Kiwis will be confident in this department, firm in their belief that they can again outmuscle the Australians and deliver front-foot ball to the likes of Shaun Johnson , Kieran Foran and their outsides.

Whichever side manages to control the middle before going wide should hold the advantage.

2. Can we regard the Kiwis as favourites?
Michael Burgess: Probably not. They are outsiders on the Australian TAB ($3.10 vs $1.40) but it's probably better that way, as the Kiwis have historically been more comfortable as underdogs.

On paper the Australians have a superior spine and a more dangerous backline while the Kiwis possess the better pack.

Home advantage also shouldn't be underestimated. Sure, the Kiwis have a reasonable record in Brisbane but the above odds would be significantly different if this match was being played in Auckland or Wellington.

David Skipwith: In short, no. The Kiwis might have won their last two encounters against Australia in last year's Four Nations but the Kangaroos remain the No1 side in the world and will be difficult to overcome on their home turf.

Australia have also been strengthened by 10 changes from the side that lost the Four Nations decider and the return of senior players, particularly five-eighth Johnathan Thurston and prop Matt Scott, should improve their execution and go-forward.
Both sides have different motivations - the Kangaroos will be determined to get back to their winning ways and dish out some payback while the Kiwis will look to prove last year's success was no fluke and ram the point home with a historic third consecutive victory.

3. What role will the conditions play?
Michael Burgess: Sweet and sour, for both teams. The heavy ground and slippery conditions will reduce the impact of the pacy Australian back line, and turn the match into a forward battle which will suit the Kiwis.

But the conditions will also make it more difficult for the New Zealand side to maximise their offloading game, usually a key weapon for the Kiwis. And perhaps of most concern for Kiwis fans, the Kangaroos have the vast edge in experience, which is usually a key factor in wet conditions. They also have three of the best wet weather footballers in the game (Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston) and a superior kicking game.

David Skipwith: The wet weather that has hit Brisbane over the past few days is expected to have an effect on tonight's match but that shouldn't concern the Kiwis too much.

New Zealand should be more accustomed to playing in wet weather and their bruising forward-oriented style of play can easily be adapted to suit dour conditions.

The Australians would prefer a hard and fast track but the Kiwis would relish that scenario as well.

Both sides can play up-tempo footy but the Kangaroos might find it harder to adjust to a grinding game if the weather requires it. However, the home side have experienced game-breakers right across the park and they will back themselves in any situation.