The New Zealand Kiwis’ 2017 World Cup campaign was nothing short of a disappointment for the nation.
Being upset by both Tonga and Fiji in consecutive weeks to tumble out in the quarter-finals was underwhelming for a nation that should regularly challenge Australia.
They say a week is a long time in rugby league, so I guess four years is a lot longer and because of that I think they will win the World Cup this year. Here is what I think their best line-up is barring suspension or injuries (minus Roger Tuivasa-Sheck assuming he skips the World Cup for his union switch):
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Reimis Smith
4. Joseph Manu
5. Dalin Watene-Zelezniak
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Jesse Bromwich (C)
9. Brandon Smith
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Kenny Bromwich
12. Isaiah Papali’i
13. Tohu Harris
14. Benji Marshall
15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
16. Joseph Tapine
17. Isaac Liu
That line-up is nothing short of excellent with a wonderful mix of youth and exuberance as well as experience and leadership.
There’s a forward pack to make any team shudder that will lead the way through the middle opening the halves to create points for the exciting and powerful outside backs. But the greatest thing about this side are the absent names: Shaun Johnson, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jordan Rapana, Ken Maumolo and many more who have been stalwarts of the Kiwis for years showing that New Zealand has the depth to go all the way this year.
Now I know that the Kangaroos are deserved favourites and arguably have a better side and more depth than the Kiwis, but another famous sporting cliché is that the game is not played on paper.
So yes, Australia should be favourites and realistically could very well win.
But three years ago, when the Kangaroos had come off a World Cup victory and contained a star-studded team including James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, Damian Cook and skipper Boyd Cordner faced a Kiwi side down in the depths naming an inexperienced line-up missing stars like Tuivasa-Sheck on the back of three consecutive losses to Tonga, Fiji and England, the Kiwis were given no hope.
This was echoed by the dismal crowd that turned out in Auckland for this annual Trans-Tasman Test with an attendance of just 12,763 reflected how little faith the locals had of sparking an upset over the world champions.
But 80 minutes of footy later and Australia was completely outclassed across the park, with a 26-24 victory to the Kiwis. Two last gasp Aussie tries and imperfect goal kicking closed the gap to just two points.
So again, just because on paper Australia are the better side does not mean they will win this World Cup. But I also will not lie, I am a Test footy optimistic who could very well be jumping at shadows.
I accept that it could be highly likely Australia roll to another World Cup victory again raising the legitimacy of the international game of rugby league.
But let us stay the optimist and there is a lot of evidence to suggest that with Aussie defeats to Tonga and New Zealand over the last couple years and even nations like Papua New Guinea beating the England, sorry ‘Great Britain’, side shows that this World Cup could be the closest the game has seen for decades.
Because of this I will stay the optimist and say that the New Zealand Kiwis under coach Michael Maguire will be lifting the World Cup trophy come November 27 after a stirring World Cup from the men in black.
Case
Guest
Do not underestimate Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. These team have so many x-factors that can demolish any Nz and even Aussie team. Some foward pack players run like winger or center. That is the x-factor that can contribute to winning the Cup. Wingers like MMT Tupou always run like a foward pack...... I think in reality any of the Pacific Team can win the World Cup so Mr Kiwi "don't coun't your eggs before it hatches" hhhhh
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
Benji will be "out of favour" again no doubt.
Clancy
Roar Rookie
Definitely true Paul although given they are only adopting the six again rules from last year (not including offside) and given Canberra performed well last year I don't think it'll be as detrimental but I think there will be a definite advantage to the teams with more NRL players which is typically Australia and New Zealand.
Paul
Roar Guru
I drew the comparison with Canberra because they go as good as any team in the NRL prior to half time but have faded badly this season in the second half. I'm sure part of that is down to having so many big guys and not enough more mobile forwards. It's good to have a few Nikora type players on the bench, but it might also pay to take one or more big guys out of the pack to give it more mobility & stamina. It'll be interesting to see which way sides go, when the Cup games start.
Clancy
Roar Rookie
Thanks Paul and very valid points and I think the starting forwards would be okay as those players have shown in their current NRL form they can handle the increased speed of the game. But perhaps interchanging some smaller forwards like a Nikora who could better handle the speed of the game would be better suited to the new rules and as stated in the article the Kiwis definitely have the depth I think compared to previous World Cups but a good point regardless.
Paul
Roar Guru
Great stuff Clancy. Good to see another person throwing a good piece into the writing ring. I admire your optimism but have one question; Assuming the Cup is played under rule interpretation similar to that which came in last weekend, how do you think your boys would go? I'm thinking that the game would be seriously quicker than previous Tests which means smaller, quicker guys would be a premium. I also look at how Canberra's going which has a pack not dissimilar to the one you've named, which is big & powerful. That's fine if they can slow down the play the ball and get away with highish hits, but would tire quickly under the new way the games being ruled.
Kerry Hanson
Guest
Or who gets a inexplicable run of six agains.
matth
Roar Guru
Based on this week, it might depend on who is suspended at the time :stoked:
Clancy
Roar Rookie
Thanks Tony, and yes I agree they lack the x-factor of Australia but Tonga showed in their victory over the Aussies determination and a power game through the middle will likely be enough to upset the Aussies.
Tony
Roar Guru
Congratulations on your first article Clancy. Welcome to the jungle. Kiwis will no doubt be competitive but lack any real x factor in their spine for my liking.
Clancy
Roar Rookie
Definitely, I think regardless of the result it should fingers crossed be the closest and most entertaining World Cup for years. Especially with adoption of the new six-again rules from the NRL
Dan
Guest
Good points. NZ and the Pacific Island nations are developing some great players. Nothing should be taken for granted anymore. Look forward to a nail biting final between Australia and NZ.
Clancy
Roar Rookie
Very true Albo, although Joey Manu is one of the strike centres of the comp and has shown he can go toe to toe with even the likes of Latrell Mitchell. So again while I'll concede it is unlikely Australia will be defeated I think the Kiwis are a far better chance than you think.
Albo
Roar Rookie
You can never say never, but I will say "highly unlikely". That is a more than useful pack of kiwi forwards, but I would query the quality of the outside backs. Not much 'x-factor" there to worry a likely classy Australian team ?