League: Coach praises young guns in Kiwi squad

LEEDS - Fullback Brent Webb, rated by coach Daniel Anderson as one of the successes of New Zealand's Tri-Nations league campaign, says it's hard to talk about his own form when the team are not winning.

The Kiwis head home on Monday, a week earlier than hoped after failing to make the final in Leeds on November 28.

Their record going into their last match of the tournament, against Great Britain at Hull on Sunday, is a draw and two losses.

However, Anderson believes a major positive aspect for the Kiwis has been the performance of the youngsters in the squad, whom he describes as having played the best football of their careers.

He included Webb, who was uncapped before the tournament began, among that number.

The New Zealand Warrior has started in all three of New Zealand's Tri-Nations fixtures to date, before being rested for the test against France in Carcassonne last week.

He has been secure in defence, while his support play brought him his first test try, against Australia in London last month.

But Webb said New Zealand's failure to make the final diluted any feelings of personal satisfaction.

"It's hard to talk about your own form when you're not winning games. But all in all, it's been a good experience and I would love to have another opportunity."

The Queensland-born Webb, who turned 24 last week, switched national allegiances to play for the Kiwis. He had no regrets about the move, saying that the test arena was unlike any other.

"You're surrounded by the best players in the game, so the level of intensity lifts you," he said. "There's nothing like test football."

Although the Tri-Nations series has ultimately brought disappointment for the Kiwis, Webb said the clash with the Lions at KC Stadium would give the tourists one last chance to make a point.

"We've had a talk about it and there's no two ways about it, it's still a test match," he said. "We're not easing off at all. We have to prove to ourselves and to everyone else that this hasn't been a two-horse race."

During the tournament, he has also been handed the goalkicking duties, despite not having been the Warriors' No 1 kicker this season.

Webb, whose studied preparation was responsible for the NRL's 90-second rule, was happy to take the responsibility because there were few other options in the squad.

He has landed four goals from eight attempts, although three of the misses were in difficult wet and windy conditions at Loftus Rd.

"Daniel asked if I would be comfortable doing it and I was fine with it," he said. "But if someone else comes along with a better boot, I'm more than happy to hand the job over."

After the Tri-Nations, there will be little rest for Webb and the other Warriors in the tour party.

Rather than having a break, they will front up for pre-season training, which began for their clubmates late last month.

"The word from back home is that as soon as we get back we're straight into training," he said.

"It's going to be tough, but we'll tough through it."

- NZPA