League: Kiwis relish rest after tough schedule

Bungy jumping, jetboating, a luge ride for the brave.

It sounds like the Kiwis' Tri-Nations rugby league rest period has all the trappings of a typical Queenstown holiday.

But there is also a serious edge to their two-week break before the November 11 rematch with Great Britain in Wellington.

The battered and bruised squad landed in the southern tourist mecca yesterday, armed with an agenda that mixes relaxation with play.

Although the standard attractions will be ticked off, the Kiwis are also training from Monday to Wednesday before they take a chartered flight to the West Coast ahead of a weekend tune-up against a New Zealand Residents 13.

The side, made up of Bartercard Cup players, will give the Kiwis a chance to stay in game mode on Saturday afternoon before watching Great Britain and the Kangaroos go toe-to-toe in Sydney later that night.

And by holding the game at Greymouth's Wingham Park the New Zealand Rugby League is also paying homage to one of the code's genuine heartlands.

"West Coasters love their league, it is important to acknowledge a great league area," Kiwis coach Brian McClennan said before the team left Christchurch.

"They've been through hard times and it will be great to give something back and get a good taste of Kiwi culture."

While the trip certainly has a public relations element attached, the potentially make or break test against Great Britain remains the chief focus.

"It's good for the development of the game, but it's also essential for our timing and momentum," said McClennan who had plenty of wounded personnel on his hands after a rugged 18-14 win over the Lions on Saturday night.

McClennan now faces the potentially tricky juggling act or making sure his exhausted team can recover while maintaining their edge.

"The focus is Great Britain but we're glad to have a couple of days rest knowing we're not preparing for a test this week.

"It's been a tough three weeks mentally and physically, getting up for each test and the travel.

"We're more tired than hurt -- this gives us a chance to clear our heads."

Reuben Wiki, who copped a stiff arm from Adrian Morley in the third minute and later sported a gash above his right eye from a collision with Simon Mannering, summed up the mood after three tough tests.

"It's just a relief for us to get a win. We can drop our shoulder for a couple of days and relax," the skipper said, adding: "I won't be bungy jumping, that's for sure."

The Kiwis will understandably be keeping a close eye on proceedings at Aussie Stadium this weekend, realising a Lions victory will ramp up the pressure on them in the capital.

Should Great Britain notch a rare win on Australian soil the Kiwis will need to win, and win well, at Westpac Stadium before praying the Kangaroos bounce back in Brisbane.

Those various permutations were of little interest to McClennan yesterday as he looked forward to a game against players he has a great affinity with as coach of the Bartercard Cup-winning Auckland Lions.

"I know the sacrifices they make, they have to work for a living -- a game against the Kiwis is huge for them," he said.

McClennan doubted the amateurs would take the opportunity to make a name for themselves as a Newcastle selection attempted when they played the Lions on October 20.

" . . .they're all good lads -- they'll play hard, but fair."

McClennan names his line-up later this week but indicated several players would be used sparingly.

Centre Iosia Soliola is nursing a bruised cheekbone while forward David Fa'alogo and interchange prop Jason Cayless also suffered head knocks but were cleared of concussion.

Mannering's right knee, injured when he connected with Wiki's forehead is also being monitored.

Centre Steve Matai and utility Dene Halatau, who missed the Great Britain test with shoulder injuries and 18th man Adam Blair are likely to see game time while unused squad members Awen Guttenbeil and Epalahame Lauaki are certainties to translate their hard work at training into a game situation.

- NZPA