Peter Sterli Ng's View
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday April 23, 2004
The Kiwis' win last October was based on forcing errors, staying in touch and taking advantage of opportunities. This is a different-looking Australian squad but the NZ mentality should be the same. So often they've had good starts only to concede quick points and find the Test suddenly out of reach. I'd expect NZ coach Daniel Anderson to break the game down into units and have his team compete in each of these one by one. The Kangaroos' game plan is simple and based on the power play of their straight-ahead forwards. Given time and space, the back line possesses plenty of points.
TIP: Australia.
ANZAC RUGBY LEAGUE TEST SQUADS
Australia v New Zealand
Tonight 7.40pm, EnergyAustralia Stadium, Newcastle. Referee: S Hampstead
Anthony Minichiello (Roosters) Fullback Nigel Vagana (Cronulla)
Timana Tahu (Newcastle) Wing Lesley Vainikolo (Bradford)
Matthew Gidley (Newcastle) Centre Paul Whatuira (Penrith)
Brent Tate (Brisbane) Centre Clinton Toopi (Warriors)
Michael De Vere (Brisbane) Wing Francis Meli (Warriors)
Darren Lockyer (c, Brisbane) Five-eighth Sione Faumuina (Warriors)
Craig Gower (Penrith) Halfback Thomas Leuluai (Warriors)
Shaun Timmins (Dragons) Lock Stephen Kearney (Melbourne)
Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta) Second row Joe Galuvao (Penrith)
Steve Price (Bulldogs) Second row Tony Puletua (Penrith)
Joel Clinton (Penrith) Prop Jason Cayless (Roosters)
Danny Buderus (Newcastle) Hooker Robbie Paul (Bradford)
Shane Webcke (Brisbane) Prop Nathan Cayless(c, Parramatta)
Reserves: Australia: Shaun Berrigan (Brisbane), Michael Crocker (Roosters), Trent Waterhouse (Penrith), Luke Bailey (Dragons).
New Zealand: Jerry Seuseu (Warriors), Sonny-Bill Williams (Bulldogs), Tevita Latu (Warriors), David Kidwell (Melbourne).
© 2004 Sydney Morning Herald
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