Kiwis coach calls for more test matches
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has gone to bat for more rugby league tests after losing the World Cup semifinal to Australia.
The Kangaroos edged the Kiwis 16-14 at Leeds’ Elland Road ground on Saturday to advance to this Sunday’s final against Samoa.
Many longtime league observers felt the game was one of the best tests in memory, and Maguire wants more.
‘‘We only get one or two games like this a year and then you look at I guess the Australian side where they’re playing in Origins and playing at a higher intensity,’’ he told reporters in Leeds.
‘‘It’s just about being able to play at that level more consistently. If the guys do get the opportunity to play more games at this level they’re going to continue to improve.’’
Maguire said the Kiwis would probably have to play more tests ‘‘at the back end’’ of the season, but he felt there was also a place for mid-year internationals.
‘‘There’s no reason why Tonga and Samoa can’t play in matches like that because they’re developing at a really high level too so playing test matches and bringing players together in games like that I think is really important for the international game.
‘‘I know Australia have got their State of Origin but I’d really like to see the Kiwi boys and whether it’s the Tongan boys or the Samoan boys play test matches mid-year – it’s only fair.’’
Maguire, who is returning to the NRL as a Canberra Raiders assistant coach, said he felt the game’s authorities ‘‘need to have a look at’’ the international season.
Meanwhile, AAP reported that Australian coach Mal Meninga said his players now know why they call it a test match.
Australia had yet to be tested at this tournament but the Kiwis would have given them a reminder of the level they need to be at if they are to win a third-straight World Cup.
Seven of Meninga’s 17-man squad in their narrow victory hadn’t played for Australia prior to this tour, but against the Kiwis they found out what it was like to be put under pressure at international level.