KEY POINTS:
After the setbacks the Kiwis have absorbed since the start of their Tri-Nations title defence, Brian McClennan seemed to be exaggerating when he described his side as "the luckiest team in the world".
But the coach, who has experienced an agonising loss to Australia in Melbourne followed by
the Nathan Fien affair, instantly gave the dubious statement some credence by linking it with the leadership of elder statesmen Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki.
Both veterans were in sublime form as the Kiwis kept their Tri-Nations campaign alive by thrashing Great Britain on Saturday.
While Jones applied the killer incisions, setting up four of the Kiwis' six tries, Wiki was at his metronomic best, carting the ball up the middle of the park and muscling up in defence, making 30 tackles.
Jones was rewarded with yet another man-of-the-match award and Wiki celebrated his 54th test with a 70th-minute try, inevitably orchestrated by Jones, who managed to land a chip kick on the crossbar, from where it rebounded into Wiki's grasp.
McClennan singled out the contributions of his veterans after a morale-boosting triumph which has enhanced the Kiwis' chances of making the November 25 final against Australia.
"Stacey was awesome. He wanted to do something for the game in New Zealand and he did it.
"He kept reinforcing to the forwards to keep getting forward for him. He was on the front foot and able to play some footy.
"And Ruben's leadership ... it's invaluable, it's a legacy that'll last forever with our young guys," McClennan enthused.
"To have Stacey and Ruben leading the team - we're the luckiest team in the world."
Jones was characteristically reluctant to take all the accolades, deflecting praise to the rest of his back division.
"The key was everyone shared the workload," he said.
"Our forwards have probably carried us the last three games - this time our outside backs were outstanding.
"They laid the platform for our forwards; they made it easier to get us in good field position."
McClennan and his team are now praying their good fortune continues and the Kangaroos knock out Great Britain in Brisbane on Saturday night.
The Kiwis regather in Auckland on Wednesday to fly out for Sydney where they will set up camp in anticipation of making the final.
- NZPA
