New Zealand head coach Michael Maguire says his side are confident of beating current world champions Australia in Saturday’s Test match despite last weekend’s disappointing result.
Maguire said New Zealand were a very cohesive team and he had had the privilege of getting to know New Zealand and its culture. He believes this will be a very special moment for them.
Maguire said the lads knew they would have an 80-minute game and would have to give it their all.
Saturday’s Test is likely to be Kieran Foran’s last game. The 33-year-old has filled in for Maguire in this year’s competition due to injuries to Brendan Smith and Jeremy Marshall-King.
Maguire said Fran has been improving and each Test has been a special test for him. He is one of the best players in the game and Maguire is grateful to have someone like him around him.
Foran’s enthusiasm for the black-and-white jersey wasn’t always reciprocated by his New Zealand teammates, who all jumped ship to other countries.
But Foran has shown amazing determination to not only make it to the NRL again, but to represent his country.
Maguire says Foran is one of the most tenacious players he has ever coached. in 2019, he suffered a serious shoulder injury against the British Lions, and everyone was devastated after the game because they all knew what that game meant to him.
Maguire said he’s grateful to have someone like Foran around these young players. He’s a great leader and Maguire always says you follow your leader.
Meanwhile, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga says he expects New Zealand to be at full strength for Saturday’s match. He said New Zealand will be out for revenge and they will try to gain an advantage.
At first glance
New Zealand.
BENCH: Famanu Brown, Nelson Asofa Solomon, Griffin Naame, Leo Thompson.
Replacements: Naufahu Whyte Naufahu Whyte, William Greig, Keane Kini.
Australia.
Australia Harry Grant, Lindsay Collins, Patrick Carrigan, Reuben Cotter.
Subs: Nicolas Hernandez Nicolas Hernandez, Thomas Flagler, Selwyn Cobb, Jack Trbojevic