Three questions: Did the Kiwis take a step backwards?

Issac Luke of New Zealand complains to the referee during the Four Nations match between the New Zealand Kiwis and Samoa. Photo / Getty Images.

Herald sport writers David Skipwith and Michael Burgess answer three questions about Saturday's Four Nations test in Whangarei.

1. What does this performance mean for the Kiwis tournament hopes?

David Skipwith: The Kiwis narrow win over Samoa proved the Kiwis remain vulnerable and have much to improve on despite being 2-0 up in the tournament.
Consecutive slow starts over the past week will be of major concern to coach Stephen Kearney and the Kiwis need to be more clinical in all areas, particularly their last tackle options and kicking.

Samoa provided a tougher physical inspection than the Kiwis were subjected to in Brisbane and their attack stuttered when confronted by the visitor's in-your-face defence.

The Kiwis forwards were well contained but halves Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran need to improve their execution and make the most of any chances inside the opposition red zone if they are to notch a third win next week in Dunedin.

Michael Burgess: It was a step backwards from what we saw in Brisbane - and at times looked more like the Kiwis of the 2013 World Cup, especially with the lack of fluidity on attack.

However, it was a win without playing well, which isn't necessarily bad. The Kiwis remain on track for the final and hopefully have their one bad performance out of their system. Yesterday's game would also have shaken any complacency out of the Kiwis, as some of their more high profile names had poor matches. They will know that a display like that simply won't be good enough next week or in a possible final.

2. One positive to come out of the game?

David Skipwith: After falling further behind on the scoreboard early in the second-half the Kiwis showed tenacity and determination to remain in the grind and secure the win despite playing well below their best.

When the pressure was on senior men like captain Simon Mannering and Manu Vatuvei kept focused on their core jobs and helped the Kiwis work their way out of their own half, leading the way for the younger members of the forward pack and backline.
The Kiwis can take confidence out of their late escape but dramatic improvement is essential in next Saturday's crucial clash against England.

Michael Burgess: Gritty defence. At times during the game, especially in the second half, Samoa were rolling down the field at will, causing havoc through the ruck. But the Kiwis did just enough to stop them getting a fourth try, which would have been a back breaker. The commitment and desire close to defend their line was highly impressive. And Jason Taumalolo proved last week's display was no one off.

3. What are Stephen Kearney's biggest selection headaches?

David Skipwith: Settling on a left-winger will occupy much of Stephen Kearney's thoughts over the next few days.

Gerard Beale was efficient in last week's win over the Kangaroos but didn't announce himself as the obvious choice to sit outside centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall.

Manu Vatuvei's game in Whangarei was not helped by some sloppy distribution through the backline but he gives the side tremendous value on kick-returns and is always on hand to take the ball forward in the middle of the park.

The big man is vulnerable to making errors and can be targeted by the opposition but his durability and experience make him hard to go past.

Michael Burgess: He's got a few, but they are the kind you would like - rather than the ones of past Kiwis campaigns which might have been `which back rower can fill in at centre?' or who is my make shift five eight?'.

Thomas Leuluai was missed yesterday - especially with his defence in the middle of the ruck - but Lewis Brown and Isaac Luke also had solid games. Presuming Luke is number one, it's probably a straight choice between Brown and Leuluai which is very difficult.

Leuluai is the best halves cover, while Brown has brought great energy to both his performances and can also play centre or back row. Kearney might also consider giving Josh Hoffman a start at the back and has decisions to make about Jason Nightingale (who hasn't had a great tournament so far) as well as the other flank.