League: Kiwis' test training clicks into top gear

by PETER JESSUP


The Kiwis Tri-Nations build-up clicks into top gear from today with all players cleared of injury.

It is the first campaign for many years where injury and suspension have not taken a toll on the roster.

Captain Ruben Wiki was the last member of the squad into camp at the Millennium Institute when he arrived yesterday following Canberra's end-of-year awards night.

The day was spent with outfitting and preparation for the trip to England, with game strategy and gym work in the afternoon.

A Saturday session against the Auckland team at test venue North Harbour Stadium was sharp enough but there is the end-of-season rust and decline in conditioning to reverse.

Coach Daniel Anderson was satisfied with a run that was neither tackle nor touch: "They all still have the finesse and skill they've had all season. No one has dropped the ball."

Bulldogs grandfinal players Sonny Bill Williams and Matt Utai took no part, resting a shoulder and ankle respectively. But Williams showed his keenness by repeatedly asking the coach if he could run on.

Working the game-plan begins in earnest from today. "We'll wing up pretty aggressively during the week," Anderson said.

The Kangaroos may need to find a goal-kicker as their first choice Craig Fitzgibbon has a sternum injury that may rule him out of Saturday's Albany test.

It will not be Matt Bowen, the national coach Wayne Bennett said, despite the Cowboys fullback scoring three tries and kicking three goals during a 70-22 win over Papua New Guinea in Townsville on Saturday.

New caps Matt Cooper and Luke Rooney each scored two tries as the Aussie selection racked up 13. Eleven of the Tri-Nations squad took part with the remainder of the players from the Junior Kangaroos.

Rooster Michael Crocker has dropped out of the squad to have surgery on a bulging disc, his replacement the Dragons lock Shaun Timmins.