Four Nations tournament firing on all corners
Roar Guru By Alan Nicolea, 26 Oct 2009 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- Four Nations, Kangaroos, Rugby League
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The twenty all draw between the Kangaroos and the Kiwis in the second game of the Four Nations tournament has capped off what has been a very intense and fascinating start to a competition that once again had to prove its worth to those doubting its place on the Rugby League calendar.
Like last year’s Rugby League World Cup, there are many people deriding the Four Nations because of Australia’s so called international dominance, even though the side is yet to win a big tournament since the 2006 Tri-Nations.
Indeed many people still think that the Kiwis remarkable victory against the Kangaroos in the World Cup final was a fluke, brought about by the silly error from fullback Billy Slater during the second half of last season’s decider.
Any doubts surrounding the credibility of New Zealand’s victory against Australia twelve months ago were put to bed on Sunday morning, as Stephen Kearney’s men came within a whisker of producing another so called upset.
After Eels prop Fui Fui Moi Moi started proceedings badly for the Kiwis, New Zealand were forced to defend their line for extended periods against a Kangaroos backline that needs no introduction in regards to the quality they possess.
For all the star power in Tim Sheens’ ranks however, New Zealand defended their line superbly, thus giving the indication that the Kiwis have turned many corners since their abysmal showing in 2007 against the same opposition.
As is so often the case, the Kiwis produced six points in their few touches of the football, as forward Adam Blair gave off a beautiful short ball to Roosters prop Frank-Paul Nuuausala to score the first try of the night.
New Zealand’s bright start however came under threat on a constant basis, as the Kangaroos took control of possession.
With the assistance of six straight penalties, the Kangaroos were finally able to level the scores with a divine long range try set up by the clinical passing of Melbourne Storm duo Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis.
Their work allowed Dragons winger Brett Morris to score his first test try in his maiden appearance in the green and gold.
Finding themselves level at halftime, Stephen Kearney’s men started producing costly errors in their own territory during the early stages of the second half.
Kiwi fullback Lance Hohaia had the ball stripped off him by Australia halfback Johnathon Thurston, who went on to score a critical try that put the Kangaroos in the lead.
Hohaia then produced a knock on after failing to catch a bomb, which saw the Kiwis concede a further two points thanks to a penalty conversion from Thurston.
New Zealand managed to rally however and were left galvanised after Knights centre Junior Sau muscled past four defenders to score a great try.
Despite still trailing by two points, the Kiwis were starting to cause havoc around the ruck, thanks to the quality ball playing services of both Benji Marshall and Lance Hohaia.
Hohaia got a just reward for his performance, slicing through some tiring Kangaroos defence to score a try that gave the Kiwis the lead.
Enigmatic Panthers forward Frank Pritchard then scored what looked like the winning four pointer for New Zealand, as Stephen Kearney’s men were on the edge of achieving rare back to back victories against their illustrious trans-Tasman rivals.
A superb offload from Kangaroos centre Greg Inglis however, saw hooker Cameron Smith burrow his way through the Kiwis defence to score a match saving try with just two minutes remaining.
Whilst both sides left the field feeling a little empty handed for their efforts, the 20 all draw was a fitting result between two Test nations that suddenly find themselves much more evenly matched than most people think.
Throw this result in with the tough uncompromising performance from France in their loss to England, and the Four Nations tournament has experienced the best opening it could have hoped for.
No doubt if all four nations continue to be as competitive as they were during the opening stages of the tournament, then perhaps international Rugby League stands in great stead in its quest to spread their global wings.
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October 26th 2009 @ 11:52am
oikee said | October 26th 2009 @ 11:52am | Report comment
Yes, and Lebanon beat Serbia 86 nil, and Wales beat Italy 88 nil. So Ireland Scotland Wales and Lebanon are all around the same quality, good news.
I really think we need for these teams to start touring the smaller nations. Anyhow, thats another one to look at in the future, Rugby League has gone forward at a rapid pace sinse the World Cup. Imagine if we had Union’s money to spend, or even FiFa’s. Probably good news we have not got much, they are more determined that way.
The Atlantic cup is our best growth prospects, if we can get 4-6 countries involved in this tournament, would be good for league world-wide. I feel for STH Africa, such a powerhouse being left behind. Maybe they can get involved in the Atlantic cup.
October 26th 2009 @ 1:02pm
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
South Africa I have grave doubts, all their money is going to the Soccer world cup so funding for RL is minimum. Their tour last year to england the players had to pay 50% of their travel money and they had some local sponsors.
Its going to be tough to break into Sth Africa to even get a semi pro comp at a high level.
October 26th 2009 @ 1:17pm
sledgeross said | October 26th 2009 @ 1:17pm | Report comment
Yeah, who really cares about SA anyway, its a pretty miniscule market anyway, and there are other countries where funding and marketing would be more successful.
October 26th 2009 @ 1:20pm
M1tch said | October 26th 2009 @ 1:20pm | Report comment
Tend to agree, people over there though are doing some great work, but I think for now at least the Pacific Islands is a key we must not stop, Im loving the Pacific Cup and the proactivness of the IRL.
October 26th 2009 @ 8:13pm
JimC said | October 26th 2009 @ 8:13pm | Report comment
Can’t believe the trolls are bagging the Stoop. Rather 12,000 fervent young fans at the Stoop than the corporate snoozefest that awaits in Tokyo on Saturday,.
October 26th 2009 @ 8:38pm
Tom Alexander. said | October 26th 2009 @ 8:38pm | Report comment
I think Kearney is trying to get these fellas to change their mindset more than anything. At one time the scoreline would have blown out after the Kangaroos took the lead. It also looks like Kearney is going for a more mobile forward pack with the likes of Luke, Moi Moi, Blair, Lima, Pritchard, Nu’usala, Soliola, Hargreaves and now Pettybourne joining the squad . I think Ray Warren commented for his build, Moi Moi is the 2nd fastest forward at parramatta over 100 metres. If i remember correctly, when the Kiwis won the tri-nations in 2005 24-0, it was players like Lesley Vainakolo and Manu Vatuvei who just about ran the Roos off their feet (hence the scoreline) with a rare combination of size and speed.
October 26th 2009 @ 9:35pm
Ian Noble said | October 26th 2009 @ 9:35pm | Report comment
I was at the game and for those who might be interested the capacity of the Stoop with the new South Stand is 14,500. I was very surprised to see the ground not sold out as the game was between the two best RL nations and should have been filled at least by Anzac ex pats. To put it into some perspective, across the road from the Stoop is Twickenham (capacity 80,000) and if there was a game between the Wallabies and the ABs I suspect the game would attract a near capacity crowd with a very strong level of interest from England rugby supporters. Certainly I would be very interested in going to watch.
As for the game I thought it was pretty standard fair as I expected a good hit out. I was disappointed by the Kangaroos as judging from various postings on the Roar they should be world beaters. Frankly in the first half they looked lethargic and seemed to lack ideas. Perhaps they were rusty and a game will have been beneficial. However, they should blow England out of the water as their performance v France was pretty poor.
As for young fans, by that I mean kids, very few at the match but a large number of Aussies who were intent on partying judging from the large amount of beer consumed.
October 27th 2009 @ 2:13am
Daniel said | October 27th 2009 @ 2:13am | Report comment
I live and work in London, and the pre-match publicity was, er… Well, let’s just say that I was actively looking for it, and I didn’t spot anything. Add that to the very limited pre-match media coverage, plus the fact that, with an 8pm kick-off it was never going to figure in the Sunday papers as anything more than a score and the briefest of summaries. Some changes are needed for the next time the tournament comes to the Northern hemisphere.
Still, a cracking match, despite the errors and a great atmosphere. England and France need to raise their game, based on the evidence from Round 1.
October 27th 2009 @ 2:55am
Ian Noble said | October 27th 2009 @ 2:55am | Report comment
Daniel
Perhaps indicative of the general attempt to overhype RL in the UK. I am a Quins STH and we were offered a special deal on the ticket price. It was heavily featured on the BBC both TV and Radio 5 live, where George Reilly plugged it heavily in addition to chairing a Q and A session for the Kangaroos at the Walkabout in Shepherds Bush. Frankly being in London it suffers from a lack of interest from the written media, why because it is still seen as a Northern game with a limited following.
Now as you live in London have you ever been to watch Quins RL? I suspect the answer is no, but if you and other OZ ex pats supported Quins RL and the gates increased then the media would take more notice. At the moment there is too much hot air and not enough substance! Oh by the way I am also a STH for Quins RL. By the way I hope you weren’t one of the Aussies who made complete tits of themselves post the match throughout their drunken behaviour.
October 27th 2009 @ 9:05am
sledgeross said | October 27th 2009 @ 9:05am | Report comment
I was lucky enough to be living in leeds when I did my “overseas work” thing. I could get doses of cricket and rugby league at the same time
Forget london lads!
October 27th 2009 @ 9:59am
oikee said | October 27th 2009 @ 9:59am | Report comment
Sledgy, i have been to Yorkshire, a truely wonderful place, and yes agree with you, forget London, Get on a tourist bus, then get out.
Its the rubbish bin of Europe. 
Even worse now they let the red-necks in.
October 27th 2009 @ 9:51am
oikee said | October 27th 2009 @ 9:51am | Report comment
Ian Noble, love your style, one of the best games we have seen, of either code and you call it Standard. Mate just for the record, thats what your up against in Australia, games of that callabar, week-in, week-out, You might as well jump on the NFL band-wagon, along with the yanks in London.
Your taste has deminished. 
Enjoy your rugby.
Australians and Kiwis want to see Gladiators going at each other, and by the look of it, the expats in London seemed to enjoy themselves for a change. Cheers dude, i only noticed young people at the game, all the old foggies must have been at the NFL game.
October 27th 2009 @ 10:12am
Mr cheese said | October 27th 2009 @ 10:12am | Report comment
It is difficult to promote the sport in England, though, when they only sell 12,000 tickets for the 2 best teams in the world. Considering the number of convicts who live in Londres, that ain’t special. You’d only need a few locals to take an interest for it to be a sell-out. Instead, there were many empty seats.
Oikee, do you realise that it is hard for RL to grown when RU is growing ? Over here, RU is growing. That means that any new Rugby fan is more likely to be attracted to RU.
On Saturday, Aussie will give England a kicking. I have no problem with that, but it does mean that English people will be even less likely to watch RL. The viewing figures for the match will be poor. Very poor indeed.
My father and I will be watching, however. In front of the TV in Liverpool. I am hoping that Kevin Sinfield can do something inspirational.
October 27th 2009 @ 11:09am
Mick from Giralang said | October 27th 2009 @ 11:09am | Report comment
The game’s going well when people whinge about “only”12,000 in London to see Oz play the Kiwis!!!
I’ll be interested to see the TV figures next weekend…
October 27th 2009 @ 1:03pm
oikee said | October 27th 2009 @ 1:03pm | Report comment
Hey Mick, between you and me, we know how good the game is, other code followers would never tell you any different, those 12 thousand that turned up, do you think they would have that much fun at another code, or even at another ground, ? no the stoop is to me, a rugby league ground, as i said, a 12-15 thousand league crowd is all we need. The rest of us just enjoy the game with a few cans in front of the telle.
October 27th 2009 @ 12:46pm
oikee said | October 27th 2009 @ 12:46pm | Report comment
Mr Cheese, what do you mean poor, the veiwing figures for rugby league in England are very impressive, go have a look sometime, the only veiwing figures that will be poor, very poor, are the Wallaby veiwing figures, people have lost interest.
Yes Union might be growing in the UK and France, but so is league. To be honest, even if Union had soccer’s figures, wont make we watch, i dont watch soccer and they are huge compared to union. So, whats your point, if people dont want to watch or attend league, i dont give a toss.
But the 12 thousand crowd that turned up had a ball. Probably the most fun sinse they have been in England. Just goes to show how good league is for the expats. And that crowd was the best i have ever seen from England, no singing, no drums, just pure passion.
October 27th 2009 @ 4:28pm
katzilla said | October 27th 2009 @ 4:28pm | Report comment
Mr Cheese your probably not aware but these guys don’t mind the ‘Convict’ tag so you won’t get any rise out of them.
My workmates love to relay their ancestors history to me full of wonderful cow stealing stories and the like.
You’d more insult them by calling them English Colonists.