KANGAROOS READY- THURSTON
Thurston - Australia ready. KANGAROOS READY- THURSTON
Australia scrum-half Johnathan Thurston concedes the Kiwis will go into Saturday’s World Cup final better prepared than the defending champions.
While the Kangaroos have cruised almost effortlessly into the decider, scoring 180 points and conceding just 16, New Zealand are battle-hardened after being given two strenuous tests by England.
The Kiwis kicked off their campaign with a disappointing 30-6 defeat by Australia in Sydney but Thurston was impressed by their 32-22 semi-final victory over the English at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, venue for Saturday’s climax to the 10-team tournament.
“England gave them a fair bit of ball and you could see what they can do with it,” he said.
“They played well, I think they will be pretty happy with their win going into the final.”
Against Fiji, Australia kept their line intact for the first time in the competition but Thurston admitted the opposition were competitive and believes their combative play will stand them in good stead this week.
“The scoreline doesn’t show how tough it was,” said the North Queensland Cowboys captain.
“They certainly threw a lot at us and tested us at times during the game.
“They’re a very physical and tough side, very unorthodox in their plays, and they defend and tackle hard. I think we’ll take a lot out of the game.
“We had a few mental lapses, we turned over a bit of ball, and they certainly hammered our line.
“If we do that next week, I think the Kiwis will make us pay.”
Thurston, who was man of the match against the Kiwis in the Sydney pool match, was delighted to score his first try in the green and gold on his 10th appearance against the Fijiians and even happier to go on to register a hat-trick.
“It was my first try in Kangaroo colours and to get three, I’m pretty happy,” said Thurston, who also kicked six goals to finish with a personal haul of 24 points.
“To get a hat-trick for your country is pretty special.”
Thurston’s impressive performances have come despite personal tragedy over the brutal death of his uncle in an assault prior to Australia’s first game of the tournament and he is determined to remain focused for one last match.
“You’ve got to prepare right and do everything possible to bring out your best game next week,” he said.
“It will be pretty special. They don’t come around very often. When your career is finished, it’s something you will certainly look back on.”
Coach Ricky Stuart looks certain to make at least one change to his side, with winger Brent Tate rated very doubtful after sustaining a hip injury against Fiji.
Manly winger David Williams, who was dropped after scoring a hat-trick of tries in Australia’s 46-6 pool win over Papua New Guinea, is favourite to make a return.
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