Club combinations to boost Kiwis
OPINION: Even after only three games, few can argue that Kieran Foran has not had a positive affect on the Warriors.
While it appears increasingly likely that his stay will only be for one season, they are not the only ones who will benefit.
In less than two weeks’ time the Kiwis take their last major hit out before the World Cup with the Anzac test in Canberra.
And in such an important year, every minute Foran, Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke spend on the field together is vital.
The five-day preparation period afforded for the mid-year clash against the Kangaroos – which by the time the team assembles in camp and goes through the formalities is more closer to three – has been the bane of Kiwi teams in the past.
It’s a hurdle they will again have to overcome on May 5. Yet, all going well, the four players occupying the most important positions on the field would have been honing their combinations for the previous six weeks.
It’s a luxury the Kangaroos have enjoyed for the best part of a decade and a big reason for their success in the Anzac Test.
Not only do Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater play together at the Storm, all of the Kangaroos’ spine during that period – from Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston to Greg Inglis and Darius Boyd – have come through the dominant Queensland team, floating seamlessly from the maroon to the green and gold jersey.
The Warriors forwards have struggled at times this season and how much they improve may ultimately determine Foran and co’s impact at club level.
But with the likes of Jesse Bromwich, Jason Taumalolo and Martin Taupau, playing behind the Kiwis pack is a different story.
It has been two years since the star quartet last took the field together for their country, when they engineered a stunning 26-12 victory over the Kangaroos.
Australia have dominated since then but as long as they continue to develop cohesion in attack at the Warriors, it bodes well for David Kidwell’s side – if not for the Anzac Test, then for the World Cup at the end of the year.
‘‘Last week [against Canberra], especially the back-end of the first half, we took over and created a few opportunities that we didn’t finish off,’’ Johnson said.
‘‘We’re really starting to click and understanding when it’s time to pull the trigger.
‘‘We’re working hard here and the ultimate goal is to represent your country. So if our form warrants that and we’re doing the right things then I’m sure it will be beneficial for us going into that Kiwis group.’’
Outside the spine, the Kiwis should have one of the form players of the NRL in winger Jordan Rapana, who continues to amaze with his try-scoring feats for the Raiders.
The rest of the outside backs are not as clear cut.
David Fusitu’a, Jason Nightingale and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are the main contenders for the other wing. Storm sensation and former Auckland schoolboy rugby flyer Suliasi Vunivalu would surely be in the mix, though questions remain about his eligibility.
Solomone Kata and Shaun Kenny-Dowall started in the centres during last year’s Four Nations final. But while the former may have done enough to hold his place, Kenny-Dowall may not be so lucky.
The Roosters centre had a hugely disappointing tournament in England and with a rejuvenated Dean Whare impressing for the Panthers, and Peta Hiku and Jordan Kahu also in the frame, there are several options should Kidwell opt for change.