World Cup win key to Kiwi redemption

A year has now passed since the massacre in Wellington where New Zealand experienced their lowest of lows as they were thrashed by rivals Australia, 58-0.

Now led by Stephen Kearney, the Kiwi’s have the chance to gain revenge in the best possible manner - by winning this year’s 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 in the yeasr leading up to the match.

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.

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, they 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 an extension to his tenure heading up the Kiwis.

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 time 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 year’s centenary test at the SCG.

Throw in the departure of Sonny Bill Williams and season ending injuries to Rabbitoh’s captain Roy Asotasi and Panthers dynamo Frank Pritchard, and it is little wonder why the Kiwis are in a spot of bother heading into the tournament

Despite the missing personnel, New Zealand still possesses a talented stable of players, which will be captained by Eels front rower Nathan Cayless.

Although the forward pack has generally been considered New Zealand’s strong point, the backline players picked for the Kiwis 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 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 dominant playmaker who can potentially steal the limelight.

Marshall is that type of player.

And if he fires for the Kiwis, maybe the horrors of yesteryear will be erased, to be replaced with the sensation of lifting league’s ultimate trophy.

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