The talent-laden awesome Kangaroos should win their tenth World Cup, but it is a game, and like any game, either opponent is beatable.
But, that statement is a hollow one, as the Kangaroo’s are dominant unlike any other team in world sport. Even the leading teams in other codes around the world can and are beaten – but it is a major upset if this happens to the Australians.
Since 2000, the Kangaroo’s have won 33 Tests and seven non-Test matches, and have lost just six games. They have not lost two consecutive games since 1978. And their last Test defeat was against Great Britain in November 2006.
Not since 1972 has another nation taken the trophy that effectively anoints the world’s premier league playing side. In twelve World Cups, the Kangaroo’s have won the title nine times – and have won the last six championships, consecutively.
So far in this World Cup the Kangaroo’s have scored 180 points and conceded just 14 in four games – with two of those games against the second and third ranked teams in the world.
And when it comes to playing personal, they are without peer.
The Rugby league international federation has just announced their player of the year awards. In the ten positions available, the Australians took seven of those places. And against Fiji, their most recent opponent, the team boasted a staggering 2,585 professional games – compared to the Fijians 343.
In saying this, New Zealand are the only team realistically with the arsenal and firepower to be able to defeat the uncompromising juggernaut that is the Kangaroo’s. But for this to happen, there needs to be certain factors that the Kiwis will need to execute to not only upset the champions and win their first World Cup, but to give a struggling tournament credibility.
Of course, the most obvious is that the Kangaroos will have an off game. But this will not happen, with so many big game players, game breakers and superstars of the modern game.
So, New Zealand will need to perform the following acts:
Ignore the reputations.
As many underdog coaches have uttered “they are just men.” Irrespective of the condition of the game, the moment the New Zealand team hang their heads, the game is over, and a thrashing will be dished out.
Come up AGGRESSIVELY as a defensive line.
In the first game against Australia, the Kiwi’s made the mistake of coming up but then hanging off their marker. With so many natural ball players in the Australian side, they must not be given time. The Kangaroo’s win games with brilliance, but such virtuosity cannot be performed if a New Zealand forward smashes them.
Play the right playmakers.
Benji Marshall is coming into good form at the right time, but he needs appropriate ball playing support. Thomas Leuluai does not provide the support that Marshall needs, whereas players such as Nathan Fien or Issac Luke are aggressive ball players who keep the opposition guessing. The Kangaroos will not be beaten by a one trick pony, so they must have options either side of the ruck.
Win the game over 80 minutes, not one moment.
The Kiwis, and Marshall in particular, are guilty of over forcing plays and trying to score tries in one move. Each possession yields five tackles – they must each be used tactically to win the game and score points.
If points are not an option, then think about the next set. One play will not beat Australia, but continued pressure might.
Kick away from their back three.
Billy Slater was named as the world’s best player, and rightfully so. Keep the ball away from their danger three quarters. The Kiwis need to keep the ball away from the Kangaroo counterattacking options, or they will concede too much territory and too many points.
Keep talking and keep positive.
Against Australia, New Zealand will concede points and tries – they are just too good a team – but the players must keep talking to each other and keep the faith.
The Kiwis are not like the Kangaroos, they cannot win the game with individuals. But play as a team, and they are a chance.
If this is done, the Kiwis may be able to defy the mighty odds against them. But, against all hope, I still think the Kangaroos will likely win by at least 10.
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