Kidwell wins kudos for Kiwis’ style

Coach gets deserved credit for galvanising the NZ World Cup side, writes David Skipwith

attempted to sell us on his vision of “Kiwis-style footy”, but Kidwell’s emphasis on unity has quickly galvanised the team.

The Kiwis haven’t achieved anything yet but qualify for the knockout stages, but a win over Tonga would tick another box and help Kidwell and his side further along the road to redemption.

“You’ve got to give him a lot of credit,” said captain Adam Blair. “I know he was chucked in late last year as a coach.

“Us being calm has come a lot from David and the things that he’s done and the way he approaches and talks to us as a group. He’s spent a lot of time figuring out what he wants from the group and it’s rubbing off on us.”

Tonga made a late change with strike centre Michael Jennings ruled out with a hamstring injury and Mahe Fonua coming into the starting side, while former Warriors and Kiwis wing Manu Vatuvei comes on to the interchange bench.