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The X-factor that could decide Australia and New Zealand’s fate tonight won’t even perform the Haka or sing ‘Advance Australia fair’.
It may perhaps returns to Suncorp Stadium for the World Cup final on November 22, this time being the focus of many moans and groans instead of cheers and respect.
Indeed, Wayne Bennett will have nothing to say.
But the Kiwis know deep down know he is their secret weapon to perhaps creating the first major boilover in this year’s World Cup.
Since New Zealand lost convincingly in the centenary test in May, Bennett and Kearney have stood behind the scenes plotting for ways to dethrone the nine time world cup champions.
Although their case for glory will be made harder without Roy Asotasi, Frank Pritchard, Brent Webb (injured) and Sonny Bill Williams (rugby), New Zealand’s goal for the tournament remains the same thanks to the assistance of one of league’s greatest ever coaches.
Kearney was somewhat in awe of Bennett when the pair first came together in the week leading up to the Anzac test, just four days given to them to forge a team.
Now, with the longer preparation time and two warm-up matches , they are more confident the players will be able to put the game plan into action.
The former Australian coach’s involvement in this centenary World Cup is fitting as Bennett has played and coached in Australia since the beginning of the NRL.
Now he has divided himself away from the Kangaroos and will seek to plot Australia’s fall from grace in a sport they have longed ruled.
Both Bennett and Kearney have installed confidence in a team that now has genuine specialists in key positions hooker, halfback and five-eighth.
Bennett has been hugely successful at getting his players to perform for the occasion.
It is the formula that has made Brisbane the most successful club in NRL history and it is one that could deliver New Zealand the highest team honour league has to offer.