Rugby League: Kiwis braced for torrid battle

By CHRIS BARCLAY

While most of the Kiwis were larking about at the end of a sodden training session in Cardiff, sliding on tackle bags through puddles, Stephen Kearney and Ruben Wiki remained locked in serious combat.

They had dispensed with protective bags and wrestled each other to the mud in turn, simulating genuine tackle situations.

Their confrontation was indicative of the serious approach the Kiwis' pack leaders have adopted ahead of a three-test series against Great Britain which many here believe will be a formality for the tourists.

But Kearney, who makes his 50th appearance for the Kiwis at Blackburn's Ewood Park tomorrow, is typically leaving nothing to chance.

As the last Kiwi to captain a losing side against Great Britain, the veteran has warned against complacency, predicting a torrid encounter when the British strive to win their first series since the New Zealanders were blanked 3-0 nine years ago.

Kearney, then just 21, became the Kiwis' youngest captain at Headingley in 1993, where Great Britain completed a whitewash with a 29-10 victory.

Great Britain's present captain, Andy Farrell, scored in his debut that day.

Kearney, who replaced present Kiwis coach Gary Freeman as captain for that game, is now six caps shy of overtaking Freeman's record of 46 test appearances.

In Kearney, the Kiwis management identified the future and Freeman acknowledges their astute judgment, although he may have missed the point at the time.

"You look at his achievements and he's right up there with the New Zealand greats such as Kevin Tamati and Kurt Sorenson," Freeman said.

Since the 1993 debacle, Kearney has been at the forefront of two unbeaten series wins against Great Britain, in 1996 and 1998, a Tri-Nations victory in 1999 - the last time the two teams met - plus a man-of-the-match contribution to the 49-6 rout of England in the 2000 World Cup semifinals.

But regardless of their recent record against Great Britain, Kearney said the Kiwis were expecting a hard series.

"We expect nothing less than the toughest of contests. In [props] Barrie McDermott and Stuart Fielden they've got forwards who can lay the platform. It's going to be torrid.

"You look at Andy Farrell, Keiron Cunningham and Adrian Morley ... with that sort of strike power we know what we're up against."

On his third tour to Britain, Kearney is acutely aware the Kiwis need to adapt to wet conditions if they are to extend their seven-match unbeaten record against Great Britain.

And he is comfortable they are capable of achieving it. "It might not be conditions that allow us to play the attractive football we like to play, but we've got the size and power to adapt."

With the captaincy passed to Stacey Jones, Kearney has been freed up for the "nuts and bolts" role of supplying room for ball players Ali Lauiti'iti, Tony Puletua and David Solomona to demonstrate thrilling offloading skills which back Robbie Paul likens to the soccer equivalent of watching Brazil.

Kearney is not averse to squeezing the ball away in the tackle either, but he sees himself in a supporting role as his career winds down.

"My skills are more of a settling influence nowadays. Talent-wise this is a very healthy time for New Zealand league. Our strengths are our size, and the skills in guys like Ali to get the ball out."

The Kiwis yesterday trained for the first time since Wednesday, Freeman delaying the naming of his side until shortly before the match.

Prop Jason Cayless was the only player not to take part.

He is still stricken by a virus that has seen him shed about 4kg.

Fullback David Vaealiki did return to training after suffering a similar illness, while Wiki took a full part after dislocating his thumb against Wales.

"It [the thumb] is holding up all right but we'll assess it again tomorrow," Freeman said.

A couple of other players were also getting over the flu, prompting the delayed announcement.

Freeman said the Great Britain side held no surprises.

"They're putting the best 17 players available out there."

Meanwhile, Australian Steve Clark has been trying to keep warm in his preparations to referee. Clark was kitted out by thermals maker Damart, which has been testing its kit with world club champions Bradford for two years.

The thermals let Clark, 39, train while wearing fewer layers.

He flew into Britain last week from Sydney.

"I was getting a bit chilly," Clark said. "It was in the low 30s when I left Sydney. I'm not used to this cold, damp weather here yet.

"It is important for me to be able to get out on the field and train, but I was struggling because of the cold."

Great Britain: Gary Connolly (Wigan), Leon Pryce (Bradford), Martin Gleeson (St Helens), Keith Senior (Leeds), Karl Pratt (Leeds), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds), Paul Deacon (Bradford), Barrie McDermott (Leeds), Keiron Cunningham (St Helens), Stuart Fielden (Bradford), Andy Farrell (captain, Wigan), Adrian Morley (Sydney Roosters), Mike Forshaw (Bradford). Interchange (one to be omitted): Danny Orr (Castleford), Jamie Peacock (Bradford), Chris Joynt (St Helens), Paul Anderson (Bradford), Lee Gilmour (Bradford).

Referee: Steve Clark (Aust).

- NZPA