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globalrugbyleague - Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:27:00 GMTKangaroos coach Ricky Stuart believes his front-row must control New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi if they are to secure Test win number 82 on Sunday.
After having a stunning impact on South Sydney in the NRL this season, Kiwi fans will be hoping his leadership and physical power can have a similar impact in Wellington.
Asotasi – who Stuart labeled as being ‘among the top two or three props in the game’ – will play alongside Fuifui Moimoi in what should prove to be a punishing defensive combination for Australia.
“He is their leader. The others will follow him,” Stuart told a Sydney newspaper.
“I’m fortunate to have experienced front-rowers in Petero Civoniceva, Steve Price, brent Kite and Willie Mason. I want our four to take on Roy Asotasi and the other Kiwi props.”
Moimoi made a successful transition from the interchange to the starting line-up for the Eels this season to become one of the hardest hitting props in the game.
Australian hitman Michael Crocker has told the Daily Telegraph he will continue with the brutal playing style that knocked out Manly fullback Brett Stewart during the 2007 Grand Final.
“I’ll never change the way I play. That’s the way I’ve played since I first came in until now,” the Storm second-rower admitted.
“It comes down to wanting to compete. You want to get on top of your opposition player.”
Expect plenty of fireworks then because unlike Manly, the Kiwis will not be afraid to retaliate hastily no-hold-barred style.
David Kidwell and Willie Mason know that.
The Sydney media yesterday proclaimed that the Kiwis record in one-off Tests isn’t that flash and that’s why Australia should win with ease.
But according to former international Kiwi Test legend Mark Horo the key will be offloading.
“Mate, I honestly think we can kill the Aussies in the offloading department,” Horo said.
“We’ve got plenty of forwards who can pop a ball and I think that can be the real strength of New Zealand Rugby League.
“You only need to look at the Warriors. When they’re playing well, they’re offloading.” - Read More, Here
After having a stunning impact on South Sydney in the NRL this season, Kiwi fans will be hoping his leadership and physical power can have a similar impact in Wellington.
Asotasi – who Stuart labeled as being ‘among the top two or three props in the game’ – will play alongside Fuifui Moimoi in what should prove to be a punishing defensive combination for Australia.
“He is their leader. The others will follow him,” Stuart told a Sydney newspaper.
“I’m fortunate to have experienced front-rowers in Petero Civoniceva, Steve Price, brent Kite and Willie Mason. I want our four to take on Roy Asotasi and the other Kiwi props.”
Moimoi made a successful transition from the interchange to the starting line-up for the Eels this season to become one of the hardest hitting props in the game.
Australian hitman Michael Crocker has told the Daily Telegraph he will continue with the brutal playing style that knocked out Manly fullback Brett Stewart during the 2007 Grand Final.
“I’ll never change the way I play. That’s the way I’ve played since I first came in until now,” the Storm second-rower admitted.
“It comes down to wanting to compete. You want to get on top of your opposition player.”
Expect plenty of fireworks then because unlike Manly, the Kiwis will not be afraid to retaliate hastily no-hold-barred style.
David Kidwell and Willie Mason know that.
The Sydney media yesterday proclaimed that the Kiwis record in one-off Tests isn’t that flash and that’s why Australia should win with ease.
But according to former international Kiwi Test legend Mark Horo the key will be offloading.
“Mate, I honestly think we can kill the Aussies in the offloading department,” Horo said.
“We’ve got plenty of forwards who can pop a ball and I think that can be the real strength of New Zealand Rugby League.
“You only need to look at the Warriors. When they’re playing well, they’re offloading.” - Read More, Here