Kiwis not motivated by World Cup revenge
Coach insists talk of Fijian payback for humiliating exit is unwarranted
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire refuses to buy into any talk about revenge or redemption ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup quarter-final with Fiji.
Five years ago, the Fijians toppled New Zealand 4-2 at the same stage of the tournament on a miserable night in Wellington.
Given what was a stake — with a home World Cup — it was one of darkest days in this country’s league history and damaging on multiple fronts. But Maguire, who started in the role in 2018, has dismissed that narrative.
“We’re a completely different team,” said Maguire. “I don’t know what happened back then. I didn’t really look into it. I haven’t even looked at that game, to be honest. All I’m concerned about is what we need to do this weekend.”
However, forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona, one of six squad members who played that match, admits it still burns. The Melbourne Storm enforcer was new to the Kiwis then and excited about playing at home before everything unravelled.
“Being a Wellingtonian, playing in Wellington for the very first time and not getting the win, it was very disappointing to let our country down,” said Asofa-Solomona.
“Every time you lose big games like that, it always hurts, especially when you’re playing for [your] country. There’s always a bit of scar tissue. But we’re not looking back at that. We’re looking forward.”
Though the Kiwis will be favourites, Maguire and Asofa-Solomona emphasised their respect for Fiji and the awareness of the threat they pose, especially with their strike power on both edges.
How the Kiwis will line up remains a mystery, with Maguire opting to name his 19-man squad in alphabetical order, without positions.
He admits that scenario is not ideal in terms of promoting storylines around the match but has decided to follow the lead of other nations in the tournament who have been doing the same.
“I don’t like it,” said Maguire. “But I guess it’s about making sure you protect every opportunity for your team, to go out there [as an unknown quantity]. If that’s the path they want to take, it’s the one we’ve gone [too]. So it will keep people having a look at the team and working out which way they want to go.”
The most intrigue is at left centre. Marata Niukore is ruled out due to injury, so Charnze NicollKlokstad or Briton Nikora are the likely options.
Nikora was used against Ireland and Jamaica, while Nicoll-Klokstad has four previous tests there.
“It’s about who is at their best at this present moment and I’m comfortable with the way we’ve gone,” said Maguire.
The exact use of AsofaSolomona is another unknown, though Maguire indicated he was likely to spend time at second row and prop.
Wing Dallin WateneZelezniak has been included in the squad but is unlikely to supplant Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Kieran Foran seems entrenched as backline cover on the bench. Maguire confirmed that Jordan Rapana will have goalkicking responsibilities after the Kiwis have alternated duties in the last few games, with mixed results, including six missed conversions against Ireland.
“We’re always working in that department. It was a talking point for the last game but Jordan Rapana has been kicking quite well.”
Maguire is expecting a much more polished display, particularly with having the first-choice spine ( Joseph Manu, Dylan Brown, Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith) for successive games. He is mostly happy with his side’s defence but admits the attack needs “tidying up”.
Halfback Hughes is a “lot better” after managing a thigh niggle though the early weeks of the tournament and will be key tomorrow.
“Jahrome is really good at directing the team, very strong with what’s expected and just the quality of talent that he is. The boys feel really confident with him out there. It really helps the rest of the spine as well because it allows them to just focus on their roles and they know that Jahrome can take charge of the team.”