Rugby League: Opponents know value of restraint

By PETER JESSUP

Don't expect the second test to be the violent bash that the bluff and bluster beforehand has suggested it might be.

Indiscipline could decide things. Both teams will have had it drilled into them that giving away too many penalties could cost what is sure to be a close game.

The sides have history to play for.

The Kiwis have never won all games in a Great Britain series. Their best effort since the contests began in 1907-08 was the two wins and a draw under Frank Endacott in 1998.

All up, the countries have played 97 times, for 36 Kiwi wins, 57 to Great Britain and four draws.

For the home side, it's a matter of not being remembered as the losers of the "clean-sweep" record, of proving they can foot it with the antipodean sides who imported "their" game.

The Brits will be improved by the run in Blackburn. They have a better understanding of the Kiwis' game and a better plan to shut it down, not least by the return of some big-name experience.

Prop Terry O'Connor, the Irish captain, missed the first test with injury but is a likely starter, and lock Paul Sculthorpe also appears set to play, offering more power up front and better defence around the ruck.

At hooker, James Lowes may also be smarter than Keiron Cunningham was last weekend, the latter playing with a wrist injury before he was omitted with a dislocated left elbow.

So the Brits' distribution and defence should improve, and they should be tougher up front.

But no biffo. It's likely that ref Steve Clark will give both teams a warning before the game and, having done that, respond with less patience should either try niggling, intimidatory tactics in the tackle and play-the-ball.

And any off-the-ball action should see a quick card.

The England A touring team lost 18-12 to Fiji this week in an ill-tempered game in which six of their players were sin-binned and Sean O'Loughlin was sent off. Thirty penalties were awarded against the visitors.

Great Britain coach David Waite, not a believer in violence on the field, will doubtless have drilled into his top side the fact that it was a game the "A" side could clearly have won if they had left out the fighting and concentrated on playing football.

The lack of a fulltime fullback is costing the Kiwis, despite good efforts from David Vaealiki and Robbie Paul.

The No 1 jersey is the one that looks like it will be hardest to fill for a while, with Richie Barnett suffering fatigue and, at 31, nearing the end of his career and no clear prospects.

Gary Freeman's Kiwis grew in stature in the first test and if they improve on that, they should again be too good. With Stacey Jones sure to attract extra attention after his acts of genius last weekend, others have to step up.

Second-rower Ali Lauiti'iti needs to improve his attacking work-rate, David Solomona must better consider his off-loads and has to limit turnovers, and Robbie Paul needs to time his runs into the line better.

The support needs to be with the line-breakers quicker than it was last Sunday.

But tests are won up front, and there Jerry Seuseu is supreme. His standing up to the Great Britain forwards after the unfortunate head clash that sent Stuart Fielden from the field last weekend was the sort of play that breaks opposition hearts as well. He has not been bettered all season.

The Kiwis should win in a lower-scoring game than the 30-16 result from the first match, with the gap also closer.