AUSTRALIA coach Ricky Stuart urged his four big-name front rowers to match and overpower rampaging New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi, one of rugby league’s best props.
Asotasi will lead the Kiwis into battle alongside Parramatta’s Fuifui Moimoi in Sunday’s Test against Australia in Wellington.
Stuart was aware of the leadership and power Asotasi gives New Zealand and the Kangaroos coach wants him stopped.
"Roy Asotasi is among the top two or three props in the game," Stuart said.
"He is their leader. I’m fortunate to have experienced front-rowers in Petero Civoniceva, Steve Price, Brent Kite and Willie Mason. I want our four to take on Roy Asotasi and the other Kiwi props.
"The Kiwi props are big, powerful men and our guys will have to match stop them. The conditions will be heavy and wet so whoever drives the game forward will dominate.
Asotasi had a fabulous domestic season, justifying the $450,000 a season Souths outlayed to lure him from the Bulldogs.
Moimoi has also come of age this year, transforming from an interchange prop who struggled with the game’s speed to becoming one of the NRL’s most dominant props.
"I see front-row as being a very important position in this game," Stuart said.
The Kangaroos, privately though, feel New Zealand’s weakness is their halves, Souths’ Jeremy Smith and Ben Roberts from the Bulldogs.
Both players impressed at different stages of the NRL season but the Australians are aware they may not handle the pressure and intensity of Test football.
Stuart would not comment on the Kiwis halves but did say: "All halves are targeted these days."
I’m sure they’ll target our halves (Greg Bird and Cooper Cronk) as much as we target theirs."
Bird and Cronk along with the other six Test debutants have settled into camp brilliantly, according to Stuart. "They have created a lot of energy around the team," he said.
"Their enthusiasm and attitude has really given the senior players a boost. It can be a difficult time of the year given all the players have already endured a long and arduous season. Getting up for games in October can be hard but the new blokes have really had an healthy impact on the squad."
Second-rower Ryan Hoffman missed training during the week with the flu but will play in Sunday’s match.
Australia will train at Rugby League Park, home of the Wellington Hurricanes rugby team.
Source: foxsports.com.au
