2017 RWLC: Aotearoa Kiwis Black Book #1 (DA KEY IS WEEZ)
The key is Codyzzzz
Dangerous Dave got all Krazy Kidwell and put the Ki in Wi with his first Aotearoa Kiwis squad for their Rugby League World Cup claash against Samoa. No one really knew what Kidwell would serve up with his squad and he did spring a few decisions that it seems only he could, although overall this Kiwis squad still fairly decent and we've seen recently that have ounces of talent doesn't exactly translate to Kiwis success.
Martin Taupau's promotion to the starting 13 has me fizzing and this is low key the funkiest selection in this squad. With Jason Taumalolo and Jesse Bromwich in the side, Taupau was restricted to 20-30 minutes off the bench, in a starting spot however we will see Taupau play at least 40 minutes. Don't forget that Taupau is a beast and almost of par with Taumalolo, plus Taupau led the NRL in offloads this season and with Adam Blair (6th) and Simon Mannering in the middle, there will be a focus on offloading the footy.
Yes - Kidwell named Mannering at lock. I though Kidwell may plug an edge hole with Mannering as he's got more middle forwards than edge forwards in this squad, but I'm definitely not going to complain with Mannering at lock. This could allow for better defence through the middle, especially in terms of slow opposition teams down as Mannering, Blair and Thomas Leuluai are legit two-way players.
How Kidwell juggles the minutes of the middle forwards will be a point of intrigue. The selections of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Russell Packer and Isaac Liu on the bench are fair and I like the variety on offer here - even in the starters. NAS is NAS and NAS hype is for real, so enjoy the sight of this young legend making his Kiwis debut. He is likely to play 25 minutes, which could coincide with Mannering needing a break, while Packer and Liu roll on for Taupau and Blair. Remember that this isn't about locks and props, it's about Mannering (for example) being able to play big minutes and NAS doing his best work in limited minutes.
Liu will be all class with his footwork and the tempo of the Kiwis will be interesting to see when Liu and NAS enter the game as they are likely to poke through the defensive line, earning quick play-the-balls. They are both mobile, skillful and nimble, which suits how I envision this Kiwis team playing and then you have Packer doing a rugged middle-man job.
Liu and NAS are both Samoan-kiwis as well, so is Taupau and that'll make for some hectic viewing as they come up against their usos.
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As expected, Kenny Bromwich gets an edge spot. On the other edge Kidwell has gone with Joseph Tapine and I'm not sure exactly how they'll line up but if we get Tapine and Brad Takairangi on the right edge then they'll ooze attacking funk. Both are lanky mofos and Tapine is going to be a difficult match up for edge forwards as he's big, mobile and skillful - Takairangi's going to love picking up offloads from Tapine.
Kidwell could be playing some games with his team selection, but based on this team, two Kiwis who I'd highlight as demanding your attention are NAS and Tapine. As you may have guessed by now, I like NAS and with Tapine playing on an edge and not through the middle, he has an opportunity to showcase his ability in what's probably his best position. Tapine has played edge and middle for Canberra Raiders - impressing in either role - and if he's given consistent selection on an edge during the RLWC he'll be able to settle into a rhythm.
The beauty of a RLWC is that most of the match ups are funk and Tapine if my vision is correct, Tapine will come up against Josh Papalii here. We haven't seen Tapine play edge for Aotearoa, let alone at a RLWC and we've barely seen him play edge for Canberra. That's a case for Krazy Kidwell, but it's also an opportunity for Tapine to introduce himself to Kiwis fans.
No Te Maire Martin and Kidwell has instead opted for Kodi Nikorima and Leuluai/Danny Levi. I'll explore how Nikorima and Shaun Johnson could combine in video but to put it simply they can either play left and right or Johnson will play first-receiver a lot and push Nikorima out wider. I prefer the latter as this will give Nikorima more chances to dart at the line and the Johnson, Nikorima and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck spine all share an excessively dynamic running game.
This requires them to run the footy, so hopefully they constantly have the ball in two hands, options either side of them and freedom to scoot. How Nikorima, Johnson and Tuivasa-Sheck will be a major focus as this is a fresh trio of play-makers and they haven't had too much time together, but they're all exceptional talents. Keep in mind how lacklustre the Kiwis attack was earlier this year when Foran was in the halves and Tuivasa-Sheck is the man to watch here; if Tuivasa-Sheck is getting the footy out wide with a set defensive line in front of him (as was the case in the Anzac Test) then nothing's changed.
If Tuivasa-Sheck is getting the footy in front of a defensive line that's moving, then the structure and combination is worth getting a little excited about.
Watch for offloads.
Tune into the speed/tempo of the Kiwis; are they playing fast around the ruck?
Are they running out of dummy half to speed things up? And not just the hookers, Jordan Rapana loves a run out of hooker.
How are Nikorima and Johnson set up?
Are Bromwich and Tapine creating via their skill/footwork or are they merely running lines off a half?
How much will NAS play and what impact will he offer?
Can Aotearoa get Samoa on their backs? Mannering, Blair, Taupau and Leuluai are capable of winning this battle and it'll be crucial in setting up Aotearoa's defence - but do they routinely slow down Samoa's play without conceding penalties?
Will Gerard Beale be super duper fast Gerard Beale?
Peace and love 27.
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