Maguire era starts for Kiwis
Michael Maguire’s track record of achieving immediate success will be put to the test when the Kiwis begin a new era in Denver tomorrow.
The sweeping changes at the NZRL that saw Maguire replace David Kidwell as coach and a new chief executive appointed following last year’s World Cup embarrassment has continued through to the playing ranks following a string of high-profile withdrawals.
Seven players will make their test debut at Mile High Stadium as Maguire takes the first step to restoring pride in the black-andwhite jersey.
The Australian is no stranger to early success at club level, having led Wigan to the Super League crown in his first season in charge in 2010 before taking South Sydney to a game short of the NRL grand final two years later.
This weekend’s test will give him a much clearer idea of the rebuilding job ahead of him but there is no doubt the Wayne Bennett-coached England side, with most of their World Cup squad on deck, present a daunting challenge.
‘‘I’m actually really excited,’’ said Maguire, who is coaching his first game since being let go by the Rabbitohs last year. ‘‘To be back out on the training park with the team has been refreshing and the new guys that have come into the team are that excited about it as well.
‘‘We’ve got a new opportunity, a lot of guys are having their first game for New Zealand and it’s about our performance. We’ve set out to do a job for each other and that’s what we’ve spoken about a lot over the last couple of days.’’
Much of the buildup to the test, the first of a three-year agreement between New Zealand and England to take a game to the US, has been dominated by player welfare concerns from NRL clubs around the long-haul travel, altitude of Denver and short recovery times.
So far the only effect from the altitude reported by the players has been the distance the ball travels through the air, although there are sure to be a few nervous coaches watching from afar come kickoff.
But having only been appointed six weeks ago and with just three training sessions to prepare this week, Maguire says the time away has worked in their favour.
‘‘Being here in Denver, being in a group situation we’ve been able to spend a lot of time together and find out about each other,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s what test matches are about, doing it for your team-mates and everyone that supports the Kiwi jersey.’’
As inexperienced as the Kiwis are, there is a lot of potential, particularly among the outside backs.
The decision to go with Esan Marsters and Jamayne Isaako over the safe choice of Jordan Kahu shows an attacking mindset, while all of the new players have been in strong form for their clubs.
They will bring plenty of energy and enthusiasm, but it will be up to veteran hooker Issac Luke and the leaders up front to channel that in the right direction.
Dropped from the World Cup squad, Luke has bounced back to be arguably the form hooker of the NRL in the first half of the season.
If the likes of Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Nelson Asofa-Solomona can generate momentum around the ruck, he could come into his own out of dummy-half and create space for halves Kodi Nikorima and Te Maire Martin.
They will be put under immense pressure by a talented England side that includes Sam Burgess, James Graham and Gareth Widdop.
Maguire was not buying into underdog talk. ‘‘We’ll decide that when we play. We know we’ve got to work hard for the 80 minutes. You change history by going out and performing, and we’ve got the chance to do that now.’’