Endacott delighted with Kiwi cruise
NEW ZEALAND
Described by many pundits as the only team capable of mounting a serious challenge to Australia, New Zealand come to England looking to avenge their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to the Kangaroos in 1995.
With the scores locked together at 20-20 in that game, Matthew Ridge shaved the post with a last-minute drop goal attempt that would have seen the green and gold beaten.
Almost inevitably, Australia came through extra-time to book their place in the final, leaving the Kiwis - and in truth the rest of the rugby league world – with a sense of disappointment at missing out on a famous sporting upset.
Five years on and coach Frank Endacott heads a squad that certainly possesses enough talent to lay a legitimate claim to the trophy.
Led by inspirational skipper and full-back Richie Barnett – who has made a remarkable recovery from a serious facial injury – the Kiwis possess world-class performers in key positions.
Aside from Barnett, whose tactical awareness and strong running make him a handful for any defence, the likes of Stacey Jones at scrum-half and the awesomely talented Stephen Kearney at loose-forward are the envy of any international side, including Australia.
As if that were not enough to unsettle the opposition, Endacott has a certain Henry and Robbie Paul at his disposal.
Kicking-off the tournament against dark-horses Lebanon in rugby-union stronghold Gloucester will be an unique experience for the Kiwis, who will be looking for a big win to send out a message to the rest of a group that includes one of the four home nations, Wales.
And should they progress comfortably to the quarter-finals, the feeling will grow ever stronger that the two Antipodean giants are set for a gigantic, winner-takes-all collision at Old Trafford in the World Cup final.