New Zealand playmaker Kieran Foran says although the Kangaroos can lay claim to having the world’s best players in key positions, they’re yet to prove they are the best team.
Foran will form part of a youthful Kiwi spine which will attempt to retain the World Cup title in Saturday’s final at Old Trafford.
The rising five-eighth, halfback Shaun Johnson, hooker Issac Luke and fullback Kevin Locke will be tasked with getting the better of Australia’s mighty combination of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater, should the latter be declared fit.
“Their spine is the best in the world and has been for many years,” Foran said.
“They’ll probably finish their careers as greats if not immortals.
“Our spine is young, we’re still learning, but we know that if we are to beat Australia then our spine has got to be better than their spine.”
While the current Kangaroos side has drawn comparisons with Australia’s 1982 Invincibles, Foran taunted Tim Sheens’ men about the fact they were challengers to the crown after New Zealand’s triumph in the 2008 final.
“In terms of our squad and our talent, we believe we are the world champions,” Foran said.
“They’ve got to bring it to us at the end of the day.
“We believe we’ve brought a squad over here capable of keeping hold of the Cup and there’s no other thought in our head.”
Meanwhile, Foran admitted he was concerned after hearing Manly halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans was willing to provide his Kangaroos teammates with inside information on the Kiwi playmaker.
Cherry-Evans told AAP he would have no qualms offering his Australian teammates advice or tactics to put Foran off “if that’s what needs to be done.”
“I’m a bit worried about that,” Foran said.
“If anyone knows my game, it’s him.
“We talk about footy almost every day when we’re back at training in Manly.
“He would know the strengths and weaknesses of my game better than anyone so I’m sure he’ll be letting the cat out of the bag and telling them everything he knows about me.
“I’ve got to be prepared for that and I guess show some variation to what he expects.”
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