Kiwis coach Brian McClennan has opened a recent history book to boost wing Manu Vatuvei, who looks set to receive an aerial bombardment from Australia in tomorrow's grand final.
Vatuvei continues to have problems fielding kicks of all sorts, and dropped an absolute clanger to give up a
try in the Kiwis' last match, against Great Britain.
McClennan conceded the big Warriors wing would be firmly in Australia's kicking range.
"That's bound to happen although we can return serve on a couple of things," McClennan says.
"Maybe Manu gets tense, it could be a contributing factor. But he is a big man and not as agile as a Brent Tate.
"One thing that fills me with confidence is that I've seen Manu leap in the air and rip the ball out of Tate's arms in last year's 24-0 grand final win at Leeds.
"I've talked to him about that this week."
Tate lacks the height of Matt King, who missed out to the Bronco in a tough selection choice for Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart.
That might give Vatuvei a better chance of fielding bombs under pressure.
McClennan expects Australia will bomb the Kiwi back three, put kicks behind the defensive line, and go for 40/20 kicks.
"You do your best but you can't cover it all.
"You end up jumping at shadows," McClennan says.
