After a dominant victory for the New Zealand Kiwis on the weeked, many questions have been asked.
Would that scoreline remain had Australia fielded their strongest team? Are the Kiwis finally the real deal?
At the end of the day, as a Kiwis fan, it doesn’t matter to me. We won and we thoroughly deserved our victory. We played with more urgency and hunger.
To me, that’s not exactly what I highlighted from the win. The selection process, post-World Cup, is what has impressed me the most. Let me break it down for you.
For the World Cup, Stephen Kearney and co. selected a strong team on paper. Very strong. Easily the second strongest squad in the competition. With their selections, they picked a number of players (who maybe achieved selection based on name rather than form). I won’t name those players, but a lot of in-form players were left out of the World Cup squad last year for “bigger name” players.
Fast forward to the Anzac Test this year, and all of the Australian media were laughing at some of the surprise selections in the Kiwis line-up, and at how many “names” were missing.
Secretly, I was a little confident, in that the team selected was actually picked on form. As we all know, the Kiwis put up a strong performance, much better than the World Cup final showing – and for mine, all you need to do is look at the selection difference.
Bar Australia, I think it’s fair to say no other country can really pick on “player merit” and still get a strong performance from their players. New Zealand tried it, and as shown in the World Cup final, it didn’t work.
When I watch the game as a Kiwis supporter, I want to see players who may not stand in front of the Haka, who may not showcase the most scary pukana – but rather a player who wants to play for the black, and will play hard for the jersey. That’s exactly what I’ve seen so far in the two games this year from the Kiwis.
Desperation in defence, strong running, spirited play and unity in abundance; that’s what the black jersey needs.
Overlooked players like Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris and debutant Jason Taumalolo were absolutely outstanding on the weekend. Proctor topped all Kiwis in tackles and Taumalolo led all forwards in metres gained.
Old boys like Adam Blair showed some of the younger “show pony” forwards how desperate he is to play for the black jersey. In a series of play, Blair showed his passion by mowing down a break made by an Australian player, who broke into the Kiwis’ territory with New Zealand on the back foot.
Not only did he mow him down, he chased and made the next three tackles, while the remainder of the forwards were struggling to get back onside.
Moments later, when New Zealand eventually regained the ball on their next set, a tired, exhausted Adam Blair was seen struggling to breathe on-screen – all due to his commitment on defence. That’s exactly what Kiwi supporters want to see!
When selecting a team, I don’t want to see the show ponies during the Haka, I want to see players who want to play with passion and nothing to lose. Players like Martin Taupau or a Jason Nightingale, who may be overlooked for much “bigger” names in their respective positions, but who play with nothing to lose and a fiery passion to represent their country.
On another note, it’s good to see the young exciting combination of Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson finally click into what we all, as Kiwi fans, have been waiting to see. They steered the show around beautifully and were precise with their plays. Off their sweet skills, they played behind a more dominant and passionate Kiwi pack, in which was enthralling to see.
We may have played a lesser Australian side, but let’s not take that away from the effort of this Kiwi team.
Although the Australian media (and commentators) don’t want to admit it, we were better and we thoroughly deserved the victory.
Well done selection team, let’s stick with this method – it’s working a treat !
cedric
Guest
this is a bit of a strange artical to me. You basically say alot of last years guys didn't show heart. And Blair showed the show pony forwards on saturday what to do. Well on saturday there wasn't any show pony forwards, I take my hat off to them all, but Blair was good! Proctor has over the past 2 years shaken off a bit of the storm robot stuff and has had a go, and it's showing now for the kiwis'. Bring back Manu and put Nightingale back on his right side that he has played 200 odd games on!!! Is that a no brainer or what. Who is one of the most formidable returners of the ball in the NRL, MANU. Who does the outside attack keep one eye on, MANU. Who, on the charge, is near on unstopable 15 from the line, MANU!! I know Nightingale should have scored no matter, but he was on the wrong side and got his feet all messed up and fluffed a sitter!! So they moved 2 our best wingers, one from the game and one to the other side FOR WHAT, for Watene Zel... and Beale. Bet the Roos' were laughing when they heard Manu wasn't there and that acrobat Nightingale was moved.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Nobody really knows who is going to win. Isn't that what we all want from test football? Australia could still win the whole. Nobody really knows. Personally, I'd like to see England win but who knows?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Over the last decade New Zealand have been getting their house in order. Despite the odd thumping, they have been relatively consistent - the trophy cupboard proves that. My analysis (such that it exists) suggests that as long as New Zealand continue with their house maintenance, then Australia (and England) will have to play their top teams to win. Of course the same has to be said for New Zealand. After all, Australia is no slouch... (takes off scientist hat)
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
New Zealand thumped Australia. In terms of potential would anyone bat an eyelid if the Kiwis won everything for the next decade? In terms of history then of course you would. But you can only play what's in front of you. New Zealand did and didn't blink.
Sean
Guest
Underrated but great back rower. Not sure about the hair though...
Pickett
Guest
Too right Bazza. And where is the next batch of Aussie superstars coming from? The Junior Kangaroos? Who out of this bunch would you call a superstar a la Thurston, Lockyer, Johns, Fittler even Cronk: Pearce, Hodginkson, A reynolds, J Reynolds....could it be some lean years for the Roos? Unless Keary or Brooks really stand out - but the jury's out.
Muzz
Guest
Evidence of Proctor not being a good decision maker - Had an opportunity to move to Bondi and decided to stay at the Storm. Man he's good. Anyone else rate him?
mushi
Guest
Yes there has only been one "official" sample which is why it is premature to suggest a theory "can't have legs" due to the outcome of that one event (especially in the context that 4 of the last 5 losses for the "top" team were by double digits suggesting this could be merely congruent with past history). Either way a single data point does not equal credible basis for dismissing or accepting something. Again I'm not saying either way but pulling out the chequered flag after one observation is poor analysis.
Johnno
Guest
This was a kiwi 2nd sides to in many ways, so mant good players out. SBW,Sam Moa,Sam Mckendry,Kasiano, JWH, some big boys there, plus RTS, Big Vatuvei, and Steve Matai, no Issac Luke.
Muzz
Guest
Your blinded by love, Sleiman What i forgot to highlight in my above post also played a major factor in the outcome. Down to 15 men,2 man bench rotation, 95% humidity and the bunnies players were on the cans for 2 weeks.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Well, as far as I can tell, there has only been one sample from the Australians in recent times and the result suggest that I was right. I can still be wrong though. Which I don't mind, believe it or not. :)
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Serious question guv. Hasn't Australia pretty much always had the best ever players? No wonder they kept winning if that is true. But at the same time, everyone talked about their second or third-string sides. Well, against the second or third-string sides of minnows and a 'pre-modern' New Zealand, then of course Australia can dominate. But the Kiwis are a legitimate team now and have been for many years.
mushi
Guest
So seriously you are a one event sample size is enough to form a view kind of guy?
Muzz
Guest
Is this a trick question? I have no time for games : )
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
When was the last time Australia fielded a second or third-string side against New Zealand and won?
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't think too many are begrudging the kiwis their win. It was thoroughly deserved. The selection process is an interesting point. When Australia next have everyone available do they just slot them all back in or do they start looking towards the future. It's happened in cricket but I can't remember a time in league that there's been so many players approaching retirement at the same time. Smith, Slater and Thurston are all 31, Cronk will be 31 in December, Hodges is 32 Gallen 33, Bird and Farah 30, Matt Scott and Thaiday are 29. That's a lot of quality players who may require a tap on the shoulder shortly. Who goes first so you don't have them retiring (or declining) at the same time.
Muzz
Guest
To be fair Sleiman, it was 1 game and we couldn't of played any worse. Evan with Gal, Scott, Myles and Tamou it would of been a huge task after losing GI and Cherry and having to slot Walker in at 1 Smith/Farah at 6
mushi
Guest
Sleiman whilst we have contrary views on the importance of international league I have normally found your views reasonably well considered but.. using a single data point to say a theory no longer has legs? Come on you're better than that.
MaybethisYear
Guest
Great article - perhaps the most sense i've read on the subject. Although the kiwi forwards are big they weren't the usual antagonistic selves looking for a fight, looking to muscle their opposition. They were a team that played with both strength and skill - Jessie Bromwich how good was he, how many off loads did he do?? Also did some of the kangaroos look like they put on a few pounds, Sam Thaiday and Josh Papalii looked like they had junior kangaroo jerseys.
MaybethisYear
Guest
Great article - perhaps the most sense i've read on the subject. Although the kiwi forwards are big they weren't the usual antagonistic selves looking for a fight, looking to muscle their opposition. They were a team that played with both strength and skill - Jessie Bromwich how good was he, how many off loads did he do?? Also did some of the kangaroos look like they put on a few pounds, Sam Thaiday and Josh Papalii looked like they had junior kangaroo jerseys.