What the Kiwis need to do

Two weeks after the remarkable win over the Kangaroos, the Kiwis resume their international campaign with the start of the three-test series against England in Hull.

New Zealand coach Michael Maguire has stuck with the same 17 as he looks to get one back over Wayne Bennett’s England outfit, who comfortably beat the Kiwis in his first match in charge in June.

Guarding against letdown

As impressive as the Australian result was, it was only one game. And it’s imperative the Kiwis, who are still trying to win back the wider public’s support, maintain the momentum in England.

The extended break may help them reset. Up against a new team in a completely different part of the world, it’s almost like they are starting again.

Kiwis teams traditionally improve the longer they are together and all the talk coming out of camp has emphasised the need to build on their opening display.

Can JWH maintain the rage?

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ powerhouse display against the Kangaroos was a significant step forward for the Roosters enforcer. Not only was it his first win over Australia in 25 tests, he finally showed he is ready to be the leader the Kiwis so desperately need him to be.

Waerea-Hargreaves had previously struggled to replicate his strong club form in the international arena and has admitted to trying too hard in the past.

But the 29-year-old has simplified his approach and appears to be relishing the extra responsibility handed to him by Maguire.

What will England bring?

Speaking of Wayne Bennett’s side, they may be missing Sam Burgess, Gareth Widdop and Ryan Hall but this is still an experienced squad who have played plenty of football together.

They possess a formidable group of forwards, even without Burgess.

Of the team that beat the Kiwis 36-18 in June, 11 have returned. and England do welcome back classy hooker Josh Hodgson.

Locking up the edges

Apart from their shaky final 10 minutes, New Zealand’s edge defence was the biggest area of improvement from the Kangaroos test. They should be better for the run and will need to be as you can bet Bennett will instruct his playmakers to send traffic their way.

Kiwi control

The win over Kangaroos was one of the most controlled, disciplined performances we have seen from the Kiwis for some time.

They starved the opposition of possession and constantly built pressure with a high completion rate. Their second-phase play had the defence on the backfoot, but rarely did they force the offload. And, for the most part, halves Shaun Johnson and Kodi Nikorima kicked well and capitalised on their attacking opportunities.

It’s a sign of the style Maguire wants to employ and now it’s up to the players to replicate that in hostile territory.