Kidwell, Kiwis eye World Cup boost
The curtain comes down on the Anzac test tonight, which doubles as the Kiwis’ last chance to make a major statement ahead of the World Cup in October.
After three successive victories over the Kangaroos in 2014-15, New Zealand went back to playing second fiddle against their old rivals last year with four losses in as many tests, including the 34-8 thumping in the Four Nations final six months ago.
That result raised questions of coach David Kidwell’s credentials who was thrown in the deep end when Stephen Kearney departed for the Warriors just weeks before the start of the tournament. leadership around that group gives me a lot of confidence,’’ Kidwell said.
‘‘It is our last proper test going into the World Cup so guys really need to put their hand up to say ‘hey, pick me for that World Cup’.’’
Eight months into the role, Kidwell feels far more comfortable in the top job.
A NZRL review into the Four Nations has seen him provided with more support in the form of highly respected Australian
A big factor in Kidwell’s favour tonight has been the luxury of selecting the strongest Kiwis squad since their memorable triumph in the 2015 Anzac test.
Much has been made of the allstar spine of Issac Luke, Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who now have the benefit of playing together at the Warriors.
But their impact will be limited if the forwards fail to win the battle in the middle.
Despite having a formidable pack on paper, the Kiwis struggled to get on top of their Aussie counterparts in 2016, which they did to great effect during their three-match winning streak.
Skipper Jesse Bromwich again leads an explosive group of forwards bolstered by the return of Russell Packer and the experience of Simon Mannering, while Matt Scott, Aaron Woods and Shannon Boyd are missing from the Kangaroos.
Meanwhile, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga is confident Johnathan Thurston and Darius Boyd will be fit to take the field.
The key duo have been under an injury cloud all week, with star halfback Thurston missing the last three games for the Cowboys due to a calf problem and Broncos fullback Boyd battling a hamstring niggle.
‘‘JT and Darius will be fine,’’ Meninga said at the pre-match press conference.