Thurston expects tougher NZ

Scrum-half expects Kiwis to be battle-hardened

Last updated: 17th November 2008

Thurston expects tougher NZ

Thurston: Pretty happy

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Johnathan Thurston believes Australia will face a different New Zealand in Saturday's World Cup final after the latter side's string of tough matches in the competiton.

The Kiwis kicked off their campaign with a disappointing 30-6 defeat by Australia in Sydney but promptly bounced back by thrashing Papua New Guinea 48-6.

There then followed back-to-back victories against England, with Saturday bringing New Zealand a 32-22 semi-final victory.

In contrast, the Kangaroos have cruised almost effortlessly into the final, scoring 180 points and conceding just 16.

But, after watching New Zealand's most recent win in Brisbane, scrum-half Thurston reckons they will arrive at the Suncorp Stadium this weekend a battle-hardened unit.

"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."

Lessons

On paper at least, it appeared business as usual for Australia in their own semi-final against Fiji, with Ricky Stuart's side scoring 52 unanswered points.

Nevertheless, Thurston said he thought the final scoreline belied Fiji's competitiveness and added that he and his team-mates will need to learn a few lessons this week.

"The scoreline doesn't show how tough it was," the North Queensland Cowboys captain said.

"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 their pool match, scored his first try in the green and gold on his 10th appearance against the Fijiians and went on to register a hat-trick.

"It was my first try in Kangaroo colours and to get three, I'm pretty happy," added 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."

Tate doubtful

Stuart looks certain to make at least one change to his side, with winger Brent Tate rated very doubtful after sustaining a hip injury on Sunday.

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.