New Zealand World Cup Preview
October 16th 2008 08:49
A year has now passed since the October 14 massacre in Wellington. New Zealand experienced their low of lows on the international stage where they were thrashed by rivals Australia 58-0. Now led by none other than Stephen Kearney, the Kiwi's have the chance to gain revenge in the best possible manner - by winning this years World Cup.
The 58 nil thrashing last year cost then coach Gary Kemble his job, after considerable pressure had been placed on him to leave by captain Roy Asotasi and other senior players who declared they had no confidence in him.
Subsequently, former Kiwi international Kearney was appointed coach with Wayne Bennett given a role as an advisor.
It was a great shame to see the Kiwi's lose by such a margin, given the massive inroads they had made on the Kangaroos prior to that demoralising result.
Indeed two years before their record breaking loss, New Zealand rugby league was literally on top of the world.
2005 would be considered one of the Kiwis greatest years, as they captured the 2005 Tri-Nations title, effectively becoming "de facto" World champions as the three best countries competed in the competition.
In the course of winning the Tri-Nations, the Kiwis defeated Australia in Sydney for the first time in half a century. In London the Kiwis posted their highest score ever against Great Britain, and in winning the final, posted the first shut out against Australia in 20 years.
The 24-0 result at Elland Road, Leeds equalled the Kiwis' biggest ever win against Australia - a 49-25 win in Brisbane almost 50 years ago.
It was Australia's first defeat in a series or tournament since 1978, earning then New Zealand coach Brian McClennan critical acclaim from the press and coincidently signed an extension to his tenure with the Kiwis.
Even in 2006, New Zealand would go within a whisker of defending their tri-nations crown. Only a try to Australian captain Darren Lockyer in golden point sealed the Kiwis fate in a test considered one of the greatest of all time.
Since then however, times have been lean for New Zealand.
They have lost their past four matches against the Kangaroos, including this years centenary test at the SCG.
Throw in the departure of Sonny Bill Williams and season ending injuries to Rabbitohs captain Asotasi and Panthers dynamo Frank Pritchard, and it is little wonder why the Kiwis are in a spot of bother heading into late October.
Despite the missing personnel, New Zealand still possess a talented stable of players, which will be captained by Eels front rower Nathan Cayless.
Although the forward pack has generally been considered as New Zealand's strong point, the backline players picked for the Kiwis 2008 world cup assault are all in form.
Manly centre Steve Matai is probably the best defensive centre in the game, judging by his dominant performances for Premiers the Sea Eagles.
Warriors duo Jerome Ropati and Manu Vatuvei also came of age in the 2008 NRL final series, while team-mate Lance Hohaia also showcased terrific skill at fullback.
But if New Zealand are to break their World Cup duck, Benji Marshall has to replicate his 2005 form at five-eighth for the Kiwis.
Marshall is finally playing without major injury and is ready to launch an assault on the ten-nation World Cup tournament.
Not since Stacey Jones has New Zealand had a dominating playmaker that can potentially steal the world cup limelight.
Marshall however is that type of player and if he fires for the Kiwis, maybe the horrors of yesteryear will be erased, replaced with the sensation of lifting League's ultimate honour.
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