COVENTRY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Shaun Johnson of New Zealand and Darius Boyd of Australia compete for the ball during the Four Nations match between the New Zealand and Australia at The Ricoh Arena on November 5, 2016 in Coventry, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Four Nations Tournament Betting Update: Australia Round 3 Favorites vs. England

OddsShark.comNov 9, 2016

After two rounds of the 2016 Four Nations competition, it is Australia who are leading the way. Victories over Scotland and New Zealand have put them in the driver's seat to take the title.

This weekend they will face an England team needing not only a win, but a significant points-difference boost if they are to reach the final. New Zealand will face Scotland while looking to deny the English any chance of making the final.

The Kiwis are heavy favorites to beat Scotland priced at $1.01, according to Australian Gambling. A narrow win over England followed by a defeat to the Kangaroos has galvanized this New Zealand side, who are looking to retain the Four Nations title.

The superior quality that they have throughout their squad is likely to prove too much for Scotland.

Although 2016 is shaping up to be the year of the miracle underdog victory, the Scottish must overturn odds of $21. They managed to compete with England for long periods in their last match but will have to produce an incredible performance to beat the Kiwis.

Australia headed into this year's Four Nations with a point to prove after losing out to New Zealand last time around. With a blend of youth and experienced NRL players, the Kangaroos have begun to take strides forward in their development as a side.

They will be looking to return to the summit of the rugby league hierarchy and will be confident of dispatching the English at $1.25. England held so much promise for this tournament but have failed to deliver despite a squad boosted by their own world-class NRL talent.

Failure to reach the final on home soil would be a massive disappointment for them, and their inability to boost their points difference against Scotland may well have denied them that, even if they can beat Australia at a price of $4.

Heading into the last round of play before the final, England and New Zealand will be battling it out for the chance to play Australia at Anfield. By the time England play they will know exactly what they must do to better the Kiwis on the Four Nations ladder.