At the peak of his powers he was the catalyst to the Kiwis pulling off one of the game's great upsets.
Since
then the one burning frustration felt by national coach Tim Sheens and
his Kangaroos is that despite their domination of international rugby
league they do not carry the "official" title of world champions.
Although
they have won just one of 11 Tests against the Aussies since that World
Cup, New Zealand maintain the title based on that victory in 2008.
It
has been a long wait for redemption for the green and golds but in a
few months they will finally get their chance to rectify the situation.
However,
while they have proven almost unbeatable in recent years, it seems to
me that if they are to capture the World Cup crown at the end of the
year in England, they will need to produce their very best.
New Zealand are poised to mount a fierce defence and while it will
not be Benji leading the fight, the likes of Sonny, Shaun, Kieran and
co. will relish taking on the might of the Australians.
In fact if
current form is maintained they will go in with a squad that includes
some of the standout players of this year's premiership.
Jared
Waerea-Hargreaves has been the competition's most intimidating forward
and while he walks a fine line, he is generally controlled aggression.
As the spearhead of an outstanding Roosters front six, the front-rower
takes great delight in making the early exchanges a personal contest.
He
has the best body language of any of the game's forwards and makes it
crystal clear that if you run his way, you will be accommodated.
Waerea-Hargreaves' game is up-tempo and that gives his team every opportunity to grab early momentum on the back of his charges.
Kieran
Foran has been the competition's most consistent and effective
ball-player and despite his relative youth, plays with a remarkable
degree of maturity.
He is a pure footballer who plays aggressively
without self-preservation, yet has the silky skills to put a teammate
away with the deftest of touches.
It was no surprise that in the
April Test he was handed the captaincy following the withdrawal of Simon
Mannering because he has always played like a leader.
Roger
Tuivasa-Sheck has been the competition's most elusive ball-runner with a
swag of defenders still wondering which way he went.
We have seen
many players with great footwork over the years but this young man
possesses moves that are unique. Will-o'-the-wisp doesn't do him
justice.
He was given a taste of being in the Kiwis squad in
Canberra and with another half season under his belt, he will be even
more ready for the step up.
Finally there is Sonny Bill Williams
who has been the competition's most complete package this year. There
was never any doubt that his return to the game would be successful, it
was just a matter of to what degree.
Sonny plays with an aura of
complete confidence and backs this up with a game that includes power,
pace, vision, skill and execution.
However what I find really
appealing is the lack of selfishness in his performance, it is all about
making it easier for those around him.
Even his quieter games are full of quality.
These
players will be surrounded by the strongest group of New Zealand talent
that I have seen and the following side would be formidable opposition.
At the back, two speedy youngsters in Josh Hoffman and Kevin Locke will battle for the No.1 jersey.
With Sheck on one wing, Manu Vatuvei monsters his way on to the other.
Selectors could go with the safer option of Jason Nightingale or Sam Perrett but to beat Australia you can't go safe.
Steve
Matai at left centre will be at home running off Manly teammate Foran
while the Roosters' partnership of Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Sheck would
occupy the right.
Foran and Shaun Johnson pick themselves in the
halves and while the latter was off his game on the weekend against the
Sharks, he has shown this season his sheer speed and footwork will worry
any team.
A back-row of Williams, Mannering and Alex Glenn is mobile with a great work ethic.
While
a starting front-row of Waerea-Hargreaves, Issac Luke and Ben Matulino
is equally impressive and most definitely tough enough.
The real
strength of any team is demonstrated by their bench and the Kiwis will
have a choice including Frank Pritchard, Kevin Proctor, Elijah Taylor,
Tohu Harris, Greg Eastwood, Jessie Bromwich, Sika Manu, Konrad Hurrell,
Thomas Leuluai, Sam Kasiano and others I'm sure to have overlooked.
Fourteen
teams will contest this year's World Cup but it will be Australia and
New Zealand who will contest the final at Old Trafford on November 30.
The
winner will be deserved champions and if the Aussies are to reign
supreme, coach Sheens will have certainly earned his money.
Source :
http://www.news.com.au
