League: Kiwis favourites in 4 Nations - Carney

Giant Kiwis wing Manu Vatuvei has a good track record against England. Photo / Richard Robinson

Former Great Britain wing Brian Carney believes New Zealand are not only favourites to beat England in the Four Nations rugby league opener here tomorrow, but also to win the tournament.

Former double international Carney, who is down under as a commentator for English television, rates New Zealand's chances of winning the title slightly better than Australia's, with a youthful England side a clear third favourite.

"You put New Zealand as favourites," Carney told NZPA.

"They are a wonderful side and let's not forget they are the world champions. The Australians have had some injuries to significant players and while they will still be a formidable side, I'd say New Zealand are narrow favourites."

Carney is impressed by the Kiwis backline, highlighting giant wing Manu Vatuvei, who has a good track record against England, including scoring four tries in a match at the 2008 World Cup, as a key weapon.

"You forget how young he is, I got steamrolled by him four or five years ago and he's still only 24. He's going to cause England big problems," said Carney, an Irishman who scored eight tries in 14 tests for Great Britain from 2003-06 before switching to rugby in 2007, playing four tests for Ireland before retiring.

He also thought the Kiwis' forward pack was underrated.

"To think (prop) Roy Asotasi is not in the squad, and that someone like (second rower) Frank Pritchard is on the bench, is amazing. I'm sure they will challenge Australia for that No 1 spot in the world soon."

Carney acknowledged England's strength was their pack, but the forwards would not just have to match New Zealand and Australia, they would have to dominate them in order to taste success, he said.

"They've lost experience through injuries, so it's going to be difficult. You put Adrian Morley, Jamie Peacock and maybe Kevin Sinfield in that pack with their leadership and experience, and it's a different team."

The former Wigan and Newcastle Knights wing thought England's backs had youthful enthusiasm but they could not rely solely on highly touted Wigan playmaker Sam Tomkins, who will play at halfback, to direct play.

"He is dangerous taking the line on close to the ruck, but the Kiwis and Aussies will know that so England must have a plan B."

One player to watch was fullback Gareth Widdop, 21, Billy Slater's deputy at Melbourne Storm and a player highly rated by Kiwis coach and former Storm assistant Stephen Kearney.

"They are a young side but they are very enthusiastic and they are starting something new with some quality players," Carney said.

Though most factors pointed to a Kiwis win, Carney would not rule out an upset and he said England will have no fears.

"It's only realistic to say they are up against it but they beat New Zealand last year (20-12 at Huddersfield) - whether the Kiwis were depleted or not - so they won't be scared of them."

KIWIS

Lance Hohaia
Jason Nightingale
S. Kenny-Dowall
Junior Sa'u
Manu Vatuvei
Benji Marshall (c)
Nathan Fien
Greg Eastwood
Thomas Leuluai
Adam Blair
Simon Mannering
Bronson Harrison
Jeremy Smith

INTERCHANGE

Issac Luke, Ben Matulino, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Frank Pritchard, Sika Manu, Sam Perrett

ENGLAND

Gareth Widdop
Tom Briscoe
Michael Shenton
Ryan Atkins
Darrell Goulding
Kevin Brown
Sam Tomkins
James Graham (c)
James Roby
Stuart Fielden
Gareth Ellis
Sam Burgess
Sean O'Loughlin

INTERCHANGE

Eorl Crabtree, Ben Westwood, Darrell Griffin, Luke Robinson

* Westpac Stadium, 8pm tomorrow

- NZPA