Marshall believes he’s better leader
SYDNEY: When Benji Marshall last led New Zealand on to the field in a test match in 2012 he was ‘‘underqualified and underprepared’’.
That is the opinion from the man himself before a record 20th appearance as Kiwis captain in tonight’s clash with Australia in Wollongong.
Humbled to be named skipper seven years after he was last bestowed the honour, the 34yearold said he had changed significantly since that 1810 loss to the Kangaroos in Townsville.
‘‘Age is probably a big part of it. I’m a lot older,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m a lot more experienced in terms of what being a good leader takes and acting and leading by example.
‘‘I was probably underprepared and underqualified the last time but you learn your lessons and you make mistakes to learn what’s right.
‘‘I just feel like I’m in a really good place.’’
Once he takes the field at WIN Stadium tonight, he will become the Kiwis’ mostcapped
Kiwis v Kangaroos
Wollongong, today, 10.10pm Australia: James Tedesco, Josh AddoCarr, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Nick Cotric, Cameron Munster, Daly CherryEvans, Josh Papalii, Damien Cook, David
Klemmer, Boyd Cordner, Tyson Frizell, Jake Trbojevic. Reserves: Ben Hunt, Payne Haas, Paul Vaughan, Wade Graham.
New Zealand: Roger TuivasaSheck, Ken Maumalo, Charnze NicollKlokstad, Joseph Manu, Jamayne Isaako, Shaun Johnson, Benji Marshall, Leeson Ah Mau, Brandon Smith, Jared WaereaHargreaves, Briton Nikora, Kenny Bromwich,
Adam Blair. Reserves: Jahrome Hughes, Zane Tetevano, Braden HamlinUele, Corey HarawiraNaera.
test skipper, surpassing the mark of 19 he held along with Gary Freeman.
Wests Tigers legend Marshall was brought back into the team by coach Michael Maguire for last year’s test against the Kangaroos after a sixyear international hiatus.
It was an emotional moment for Marshall, who was seen crying during the New Zealand anthem before the game.
‘‘When you’re there singing a national anthem, you think about a lot of things and part of the Kiwi way is we all love our family and preach family,’’ he said.
‘‘You start thinking about those things and you get a little bit emotional. It’s part of the Kiwi way.’’
Despite a long time away from the national team, Marshall never gave up on hopes of wearing the Kiwis jersey again, making his selection as captain a dream come true.
‘‘I didn’t think it was going to be a realistic chance. I just made myself available every year at the end of every season, no matter what. I just backed myself to get back here and thankfully got this opportunity.’’ — AAP