World Cup to remain down under
August 1st 2008 08:21
Johnathon Thuston looks set to dominate for the Kangaroos at World Cup time
The Kangaroos have picked a squad capable of filling the void in a marketplace worth millions of dollars.
With the World Cup on the horizon, opposition nations just seem to be occupying a parking space, judging by the strength of Australia’s roster.
For a tournament held every four years, the Kangaroos look set to blow up their opposition once again. Despite the absence of Mark Gasnier, nothing will change.
Ricky Stuart’s men have the World Cup parcelled up. Like buying a product from EBay, the Kangaroos seem to have a mortgage on the trophy 15 teams will aim to win.
Unless proven wrong, only New Zealand and England have the strength and personnel capable of causing the Kangaroos some form of grief, if any.
As the island nations try to pay the bills to get their respective players to participate, Australia can kick up their heels, knowing full well they will be in the final if they play anywhere near their best.
Unfortunately, Australia’s most dangerous rival in the Kiwis, have already lost Sonny Bill Williams to Rugby Union in France.
On top of that, Panthers forward Frank Pritchard has been scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery which will make him surplus to New Zealand’s bid to win the World Cup.
Without those two, the Kiwis will be left with a leak that will no doubt dent their capabilities in both attack and defence.
Best believe a time will come when Rugby League is truly competitive. There will be a time when New Zealand and England have a case in point to dominate their southern hemisphere rivals.
But for now, Australia seem content once again to blaze all before them as they seek to amaze all who watch them play.
even though the Kangaroos play two or so tests a year, they are still a beautifully balanced team. In every match they play together, Australia always score points.
When they broke New Zealand’s joints last year in a 58-0 flogging, the Kangaroos had to make do without Johnathon Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Karmichael Hunt.
Not that it mattered in the end.
While the Kiwis play with great flair on their day, Australia play wise, always on hand to seize the moment to triumph.
They are a side filled with control and patience. They are a side never fazed by the scoreboard.
Those elements alone speak volumes on why Australia has reigned in Rugby league for the time it has.
The men from down under support each other in times of crisis. They do not let any misconceptions drown their cause for victory.
While many fans think the Kangaroos are arrogant, there is no denying they are the best at what they do.
When things are on the line, they give their opponents the cold shoulder. They constantly produce plays worthy of remembrance in a time where heroes are the norm in Rugby League.
Thurston and Lockyer did it in the Tri-nations final at the climax of 2006. Inglis did it in the Anzac test at the SCG. These guys showcase why Australia has always been dominant, not to mention why the French are so eager for their services overseas.
If we are to see a new world champion, the like of England, New Zealand and Samoa, to an extent, must perform.
They must try to douse the flame that is Australia’s dominance in international Rugby League. There should be no doubting their own abilities to cause a stir come October.
If the game of Rugby League is to stand strong alongside Rugby Union, nations competing in this year’s World Cup must hang their hands high and vibe up their chances.
If nations are to challenge the Kangaroos mantle as the best team in the world, they must return serve with interest.
It is the only way Rugby league in general will prevail as a true international phenomenon.
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