Fast start vital for Kiwis in Four Nations opener

The Kiwis traditionally build their way into tournaments but David Kidwell’s outfit will have to hit the ground running when they open their Four Nations rugby league defence this weekend.

New Zealand may hold the world No 1 ranking although, following consecutive defeats to Australia this year, there is little doubt as to who is favoured to win the title.

With Scotland simply expected to make up the numbers, tomorrow’s (2.30am NZ time) clash against England in Huddersfield is crucial to both sides’ chances of reaching the final.

Win and the Kiwis practically have one foot in the decider at Anfield, the famous home of Liverpool Football Club, on November 21. Lose and they face the prospect of a do-or-die showdown with the Kangaroos, three weeks after being comfortably dispatched by Mal Meninga’s men.

Several New Zealand players were making their first appearance in six weeks in Perth and Kidwell will be hoping that one hitout was enough to blow out the cobwebs.

The Kiwis have failed to qualify for the Four Nations final in the last two tournaments held in England (2009 and 2011). They got our of jail against the hosts in the semifinal of the 2013 World Cup (before being thumped by Australia the following week) only for an injurydepleted side to suffer a 2-1 series defeat during last year’s tour.

Indeed, England will present a hugely formidable challenge at a sold out John Smith’s Stadium.

The appointment of Wayne Bennett as coach will have only added to the confidence gained from last year’s triumph.

It all starts up front for New Zealand. That is where their strength lies and how far they progress in the tournament will largely depend on whether the forward pack can live up to its all-star reputation.

Only then can Shaun Johnson come into the equation. The Warriors halfback requires plenty of help from Issac Luke and Thomas Leuluai but, without Kieran Foran, he needs to take ownership of the attack.

Criticism of Johnson’s lack of running is sounding like a broken record and it is easy to see why. The one time he played straight against Australia it led to their only try.

It goes further than that, however. Parked out on the right edge, Johnson has a tendency to drift in and out of games. Whenever the Kiwis gain momentum in the ruck, he needs to get his hands on the ball. If not him, then Luke out of dummy half.

A heavy defensive workload in Perth restricted his effort in attack but Johnson admitted during the week that the Kiwis needed to play smarter.

‘‘We have to mix things up. I feel we have the best forward pack in the world we just have to learn how to use that in the best way,’’ he said. ’’You saw when we got ourselves going, we got back into the game.’’

Johnson is right. Playing off the back of their forwards, the Kiwis have the firepower to blow any team off the park.

But they have to find their feet quickly on Sunday. Otherwise, it may be too late.