Kiwis coach calls for more test matches At a glance
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
Australia 16 (Josh Addo-Carr, Valentine Holmes, Cameron Murray tries; Nathan Cleary 2 gls) New Zealand 14 (Jahrome Hughes, Dylan Brown tries; Jordan Rapana 3 gls).
HT: 10-14.
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