Kiwis look the special bet this friday night
May 6th 2008 09:03
The Kiwis looking to bond well before the Centenary test match
New Zealand rugby league has a chance to rectify what has been a dreadful past 12 months.
The centenary test against Australia will provide the Kiwis with a stern test to see where this team looks headed for the future.
Last years 58-0 thrashing to the Kangaroos was without doubt the most disgraceful moment in New Zealand rugby league history. It was a result that should never appear or be tolerated again.
The Kangaroos were missing Thurston and Lockyer that day, but the Kiwis still managed to find a way to collapse, much like the Titanic did 93 years ago.
It was a result that paved the way for Wayne Bennett and Stephen Kearney to finally take charge and this looks set to reap enormous dividends.
The inclusion of Bennett and Kearney in the coaching circle will provide the Kiwis with added passion and verve, whilst also gain valuable components such as skill and technique.
So long has New Zealand lacked these key areas of their game, Australia have completely destroyed them on the field and have dented their reputation as an international side off it.
The time has come though for the Shaky Isles to stand up and be counted in the most important test since Rugby league's inception in this country.
They have certaintly have the side to worry Australia.
Brent Webb at fullback is a gun player and is clearly New Zealand's best attacking weapon in their backline. If the forwards can dominate, Webb coud just be the man to inspire the Kiwis from the back.
Iosia Soliola in the centres was a revalation for the Kiwis in the 2006 Tri-nations. He scored 4 tries in that tournament and held his own against the most exciting player at the time in Greg Inglis.
Their forward pack speaks for themselves. Sonny Bill Williams, Frank Pritchard and Roy Asotasi form the basis of a pack that breaths power and authority. On form, if these players demonstrate their extrodinary capabilities, the Kangaroos will be in for a rough night.
In the end it all comes down to belief.
One aspect of Australia's game that always held its own against their trans-tasman rivals is patience and virtue.
Whether they are in front or behind, Australia will always play the game with a high intensity that consistently serves them very well.
If the Kiwis can match this area of Australia's game, The kangaroos could be in for a real shock.
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