Rugby League: Test selection door almost shut

By PETER JESSUP

Form in the NRL this weekend will have only limited influence on coach Daniel Anderson's first test side.

Only a couple of players could force their way into the Kiwis to face Australia in Sydney next Friday, and only a couple could drop out, said Anderson, who will name his selection tomorrow night.

He and fellow selectors Brent Todd and Tony Kemp have pencilled in emergency scenarios should someone be injured or suspended this weekend.

Suspended from tests in recent times have been Craig Smith, Ali Lauiti'iti, Stephen Kearney, John Lomax, Nathan Cayless and Quentin Pongia.

"A couple of blokes are going to be unlucky because we have great depth in some positions," was the nearest Anderson would move to a hint on his team.

The five-eighth spot in the Kiwis and Kangaroos camps is the one prompting most conjecture. In New Zealand's case, it's a matter of which fill-in to use; in Australia's, an argument between New South Wales and Queensland which is likely to see a compromise, with neither State of Origin receiver chosen for the No 6 jersey.

Anderson would only say that he, Kemp and Todd had met several times to pick a 17 and it had almost always been the same names being mentioned. Anderson likes a structured game-running five-eighth to complement Stacey Jones, which indicates it will be someone with experience.

The lack of kicking abilities of big second-rowers Ruben Wiki and Sione Faumuina, whom previous coaches Graham Lowe and Frank Endacott suggested as possibles, will probably rule them out.

Only two players starting every week in the NRL have previous five-eighth experience - Warrior Monty Betham and the Dragons' Henry Perenara - both at junior rep level.

The Wiki or Faumuina theory is built on the expectation that the Australians will use the best Origin No 6, Shaun Timmins, and that solid defence will be needed to counter his blockbusting runs.

The Kangaroos virtually pick themselves after the Origin series. The only doubts are on the wing, where incumbent Timana Tahu is threatened by former test player Matt Sing, and on the bench, where there are options for prop and second-rower.

It's not so easy choosing the Kiwis. Assuming all available candidates come through the weekend uninjured, there is an embarrassment of riches in the second and backrow, but few options in some other positions.

There is no regular NRL fullback. The Eels' David Vaealiki is the incumbent after the England tour.

And the propping partnership is not as clear-cut as it normally is, given the unavailability of Nathan Cayless (broken arm), the ordinary form from Jerry Seuseu, and Smith's shift to England.

Two players pick themselves. Richard Swain is the only real chance at hooker and, of course, Jones is the top halfback.

North Queensland's Paul Rauhihi is the best off-loader in the NRL and should start, and, given the numbers of players available to fill Nos 11, 12 and 13, it's logical that Kearney goes forward to partner him.

Penrith's Tony Puletua has earned a recall, and Wiki is in his best form at the age of 29.

With Faumuina at lock, Anderson has size, mobility and ball-playing ability to burn in the pack.

He's likely to want to make the most of centre/wing partnerships - the Bulldogs' Nigel Vagana and Matt Utai are the best bets for the left side, and Warriors Clinton Toopi and Francis Meli for the right.

The bench could include any number of players who have worked themselves into contention, but few are likely to be Warriors.

Playing their way into thinking in recent weeks have been one-test Kiwi Perenara, Penrith's Joe Galuvao and Canberra's Jamaal Lolesi.

Dropping back have been five-eighth options Lance Hohaia, due to poor form and injury; Motu Tony, who also covers hooker and fullback; Seuseu, who hasn't been at his best; and likewise Betham, hampered by a knee strain. Much will depend on the balance Anderson wants to achieve.

The Kiwis have not beaten Australia since 1999 when they won game one of the Tri-Series including Great Britain at Ericsson Stadium 24-22 before losing the final 22-20.

Possible squads:

Kiwis: David Vaealiki, Matthew Utai, Nigel Vagana, Clinton Toopi, Francis Meli, Henry Perenara, Stacey Jones, Paul Rauhihi, Richard Swain, Stephen Kearney (capt), Tony Puletua, Ruben Wiki, Sione Faumuina; interchange, Ali Lauiti'iti, Joe Galuvao, Jason Cayless, Monty Betham.

Kangaroos: Darren Lockyer, Anthony Minichiello, Matt Gidley, Brent Tate, Matt Sing, Braith Anasta, Andrew Johns (capt), Shane Webcke, Danny Buderus, Luke Bailey, Gorden Tallis, Willie Mason, Shaun Timmins; interchange, Craig Wing, Petero Civoniceva, Dane Carlaw, Luke Ricketson.