Tonga test Kiwis’ version of Origin
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has already set his sights on next year’s grudge match against Tonga after wrapping up his first season in charge of the side.
The Kodi Nikorima-inspired Kiwis ended 2018 in impressive fashion yesterday, thumping England 34-0 in Leeds to avoid a 3-0 whitewash.
Despite losing the series, Maguire is confident he has the Kiwis headed in the right direction and has the chance to continue their development against Tonga next June when they attempt to avenge last year’s World Cup upset.
Inspired by Jason Taumalolo’s shock defection from New Zealand of the eve of that tournament, Tonga have emerged as a genuine force on the international scene.
Last month they backed up their semifinal appearance at the World Cup with a solid showing against the Kangaroos at a sold out Mt Smart Stadium.
And with as many as eight former Kiwis in that squad, Maguire believes the match has the potential to become New Zealand’s own version of State of Origin.
‘‘It’s definitely got an opportunity to do that, I’d like to see that,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘It’s obviously going to be played on that standalone weekend, so what a weekend of rugby league that’s going to be. Culturally, the things you can do around those games . . . I think it’s going to be a spectacular weekend.’’
After two close losses in the first two tests against England, yesterday’s performance was the response Maguire was hoping for.
He admitted there was a sense of what could have been in the dressing room after the match but says his young squad will only continue to grow the longer they are together.
‘‘[England] showed what test match footy is all about and I think our boys took that forward into this game and realised what you need to do. Every play counts in a test match and that’s how you build pressure,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘I’ve got a belief in this group. In the relationships that they’ve gained over the last five weeks there’s a real strong bond between this team and I think it’s very exciting for New Zealand Rugby League moving forward.
Tasked with rebuilding the side after last year’s World Cup failure, Maguire finished the season with a 2-3 record.
All three losses came against England, starting with the controversial Denver test which has since been scrapped, while the highlight was undoubtedly last month’s stunning win over Australia in Auckland.
That result snapped a threeyear drought against the Kangaroos but the fact that they were unable to follow that up with a rare series win in the UK showed there is still plenty of work ahead.
But Maguire says the squad has put the building blocks in place to create a culture others
New Zealand 34
(Ken Maumalo 2, Isaac Liu, Kodi Nikorima, Jesse Bromwich, Joseph Tapine tries; Shaun Johnson 4 goals, Josh Papali’i goal)
18-0. want to be part of.
‘‘The players themselves have got to realise that this jersey is a special jersey and taking this forward, you’re very lucky to be a part of it,’’ the coach added.
‘‘All the players back home wanting to be a part of this jersey is something this group has started and they’re building in a big way.’’
The victory was led by Nikorima, who produced a masterclass in the No 7 jersey, scoring a try and setting up three others.
It was the 24-year-old’s finest performance in a black and white jersey and Maguire believes he is poised to take the next step in his career.
‘‘He’s really improved. I remember catching up with Kodi six months ago and having a coffee with him and I was really impressed then,’’ Maguire said.
‘‘I’ve felt as he’s growing, and knowing him over the last six weeks, I think he’s going to be a strong leader if he keeps progressing the way he’s going.’’
England 0. HT: