Kearney wants competitive Kiwis

Watch New Zealand take on Australia in the World Cup final on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2, 8.30am

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 16th November 2008

Kearney wants competitive Kiwis

Harrison: a revelation for New Zealand

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New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney admits his side will need to improve when they come up against Australia in the World Cup final on Saturday.

The Kiwis clinched their spot with a 32-22 win over England, but were fortunate to see their errors go largely unpunished by the lacklustre opposition.

Indeed, Kearney is expecting a much greater challenge from Australia and feels that his side must perform perfectly to stand any chance of becoming world champions.

"I don't need to tell you what we're up against," remarked the former New Zealand captain.

"All I'd say is you've got to get the little things right to be competitive against Australia - and sometimes you need a bit of luck too.

"That's what we'll be working on this week, improving the areas that need improving."

'Wonderful story'

And after witnessing his side go down 30-6 to the Kangaroos in their opening pool match, the improvement will have to be truly dramatic for New Zealand to overcome the apparent gulf in class.

However, one major difference to the New Zealand side since that defeat has been the emergence of powerful second-rower Bronson Harrison.

Harrison only made Kearney's tournament squad as a last-minute replacement for the injured Iosia Soliola, but has forced his way into the starting line-up after impressing the coach.

"It's a wonderful story for Bronson," beamed Kearney.

"He got called into the squad for Soliola and was supposed to be playing for the New Zealand Maori in the curtain-raiser to the opening game.

"He's one kid who has really taken it and run with it. He trains really hard, and that's why he got his opportunity. That's why he started.

"We know he's not going to let us down."

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