Kiwi Bennett equals Kiwi belief
October 24th 2008 06:45
The X-factor that could decide Australia and New Zealand’s fate come Sunday night won’t even perform the Haka or sing ’Advance Australia fair’.
It may perhaps returns to Suncorp Stadium for the world cup final on November 22, this time being the focus of many moans and groans instead of cheers and respect.
Indeed Wayne Bennett will have nothing to say. But the Kiwis know deep down he is their secret weapon to perhaps casting the first major boilover in this years world cup.
Since New Zealand lost convincingly in the centenary test in May, Bennett and Kearney have stood behind the scenes plotting for ways to dethrone the nine time world cup champions.
Although their case for glory will be made harder without Roy Asotasi, Frank Pritchard and Brent Webb (injured) and Sonny Bill Williams (rugby), New Zealand’s goal for the tournament remains the same thanks to the assistance of one of league’s greatest ever coaches.
Kearney was somewhat in awe of Bennett when the pair first came together in the week leading up to the Anzac test, just four days given to them to forge a team.
Now, with the longer preparation time and two warm-up matches , they are more confident the players will be able to put the game plan into action.
The former Australian coach's involvement in this centenary World Cup is fitting as Bennett has played and coached in Australia since the beginning of the NRL.
Now he has divided himself away from the Kangaroos and will seek to plot Australia’s fall from grace in a sport they have longed ruled.
Indeed Bennett has been totally committed to this task since he was introduced to the Kiwis coaching structure in May this season.
After reading the book ‘From All Blacks to All Golds’ by Cantabrian John Haynes, Bennett took it upon himself to promote international league in New Zealand and deliver the shaky isles their maiden world cup crown.
Key New Zealand players Nathan Cayless, Jeremy Smith, David Kidwell, Dene Halatau and Benji Marshall have benefited immensely from Bennett’s involvement and now look real leadership material.
Both Bennett and Kearney have installed confidence in a team that now has genuine specialists in key positions hooker, halfback and five-eighth.
Not to mention they finally have more pace in the backs to cover any potential Australian threats from the likes of Inglis, Lockyer and Thurston.
Sure, Australia will still be heavy favourites against the Kiwis, with or without Bennett in the squad. The Kangaroos have enough personnel in the side to take the game away from the Kiwis in an instant.
However, the Kiwis with Bennett in their ranks, have added one critical component to their game that hasn’t reared its head since the glory years of 2005-06 - Belief.
Bennett has been hugely successful at getting his players to perform for the occasion.
It is the formula that has made Brisbane the most successful club in NRL history and it is one that could deliver New Zealand the highest team honour league has to offer.
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