Rugby League: New Zealand look packed with talent

By Peter Jessup

It is not so long ago that losing Stacey Jones from the Kiwi side would have been a national disaster, a blow costing any chance of a win against Australia.

No disrespect to the wizard halfback, but the best thing to happen to the Kiwis this year is proving they have depth across the park, that they no longer have to rely heavily on a couple of playmakers who the opposition can target all game, the way they could Mark Graham in the 1980s.

As with Jones, it would be hard to leave a fit Quentin Pongia, Jarrod McCracken or Ritchie Blackmore out of the Kiwi squad.

Awen Guttenbeil and Ali Lauitiiti will probably press claims for a place in the pack at the World Cup next November, Odell Manuel and David Vaeliki loom in the backs.

It was an unusual build-up to the Kiwis-Lions test last Friday, with focus on a player who was not playing.

But the Kiwis proved they can win without Jones. The Paul brothers turned on a quality combination that baffled Great Britain around the rucks, and which promises only to get better.

The Paul boys are quite unique. They bring an infectious enthusiasm and a down-to-earth approach but one absolutely filled with self-belief.

"These Australians are fallible, not supermen, we can beat them if we play our best," is their approach.

Superstars and sterling 100,000-plus earners in Bradford, they fly home economy class because the New Zealand Rugby League cannot afford to upgrade them. And they are rapt to get a bagful of free shirts and shorts from gear sponsor Puma, like a couple of kids with Christmas presents.

As well as depth in playing strength and a great attitude, this squad have a physical advantage as they look forward to the Tri-Series decider on Friday and the World Cup in 2000.

The Kiwi forwards are now on a par with the opposition, if not one up. They average more than 100kg in weight and with it come agility and skill with the ball.

Craig Smith and Joe Vagana are arguably the best starting front row pairing in the world. Jason Lowrie was the top offloader in the NRL this season, and Stephen Kearney was high in the ranks too.

And Australian and Melbourne coach Chris Anderson has channelled Kearney's aggression so he has dropped the high tackles.

Anderson has also developed Richard Swain's and Matt Rua's games to international standard.

There is lots of room for this young side to improve: Robbie Paul has played solidly this series but has yet to reveal his sleight-of-hand, and he is every bit as deceptive as his brother.

The defensive cover in midfield is developing vision to stifle line-breaks, while out wide, Nigel Vagana is polishing superb finishing skills and on the other flank Lesley Vainikolo is a volcano waiting to erupt.