The Australia Kangaroos' 30-18 Rugby League Tri-Nations victory over the New Zealand Kiwis at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland may have come at a price.
Kangaroos forwards Willie Mason and Reni Maitua are under injury clouds for the return bout at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne this Saturday night. And after another week of slanging in the media, the spite between the southern hemisphere rivals will be at a high.
Lock forward Maitua, who had made a strong debut, limped off towards the end of the match with a serious ankle problem that is likely to keep him out of action for a couple of weeks.
Prop forward Mason, who had been very outspoken in the week leading up to the Test Match, was on the end of a massive shoulder charge from Kiwi second rower David Kidwell. Facing X-rays for a possible fractured eye socket, Mason told the Sunday Telegraph how little respect he has for Kidwell.
"I don't know if you want to call it a big hit or not. I call it a cheap shot. That's the way he plays," said Mason.
Kidwell, who claimed to have no knowledge of Auckland-born Mason mouthing an obscenity at the Kiwis during their traditional pre-game Haka, claimed his only intention was to lift his team-mates. However, when the Kiwis view footage of how Mason behaved during the Haka, they will have no shortage of motivation to perform well at the Telstra Dome.
The Kiwis, who had very few players involved in the latter weeks of the NRL finals series, lacked cohesion and match fitness. With centre Nigel Vagana in the more skilful five eighth position, they looked dangerous on the fringe of the ruck on few occasions. Reserve Jerome Ropati was impressive in his dummy half role off the bench and may be an alternative five eighth option for coach Brian McClennan. Star Bradford Bulls centre Shontayne Hape will be over his jet lag and will be available for selection as an outside back or lock forward.
The Kiwis are still likely to be missing Hull utility Motu Tony and St Helens front rower Jason Cayless, whose sides went head to head in the English Super League Grand Final over the weekend. Cayless's Saints, proved too strong for Hull winning 26–4 in front of 73,000 people at Old Trafford.
After winning in Auckland, returning to home soil will mean the Kangaroos start as raging favourites for the Telstra Dome clash. However, the Kiwis thrive as underdogs and have a history of pulling off victories over the Roos when they are least expected. In a week when many Australians will be looking to back a winner at the spring racing carnival, the long odds of a Kiwi victory may be the best bet floating around.
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