Sam Ackerman: The Anzac Test squad the Kiwis' selectors should pick

The Kiwis perform a Haka during the 2016 four nations tournament (Getty)
The Kiwis perform a Haka during the 2016 four nations tournament (Getty)

OPINION: The results of the past 12 months might not reflect it, but the Kiwis are in good shape in a big year for Test footy. Don't believe me? Look at this team - and more importantly, who isn't in it.

This is the team I would pick for the Anzac Test, not necessarily what I expect the selectors to go with later today. There are only a few areas on contention in my mind - the wings and centres, and the make-up of the bench.

Jordan Rapana is a lock for the wing, and it would be madness to play the NRL's in-form winger away from his natural right side. 

Raiders winger Jordan Rapana is the form winger of the NRL in 2017 (Getty)
Raiders winger Jordan Rapana is the form winger of the NRL in 2017 (Getty)

Who partners him at right centre is up for grabs.

Dean Whare is certainly a worthy contender and a great Test performer, but I've opted for Jordan Kahu, who's been in top form for the Broncos - granted he's been on the wing, but I think he and Rapana have real potential as a combo.

The other wing is definitely contentious. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has game breaking ability (enough for some to call for Rapana to be shifted to the left edge) but he can be exposed on defence. If I had to pick a winger to play for my life, Jason Nightingale would be top of the list. The 32-Test veteran has never let the black jersey down, the Dragons are in great form - where's the downside? I'd also insert David Fusitu'a as his centre - adds some much needed size and power to the backline and the combination with the all-Warriors spine makes sense.

David Fusitua is the leading try-scorer for the Warriors in 2017 (Getty)
David Fusitua is the leading try-scorer for the Warriors in 2017 (Getty)

That means no room for the likes of Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Solomone Kata, Whare, Pita Hiku, Watene-Zelezniak, Gerard Beale, Sosaia Feki, Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein and Manu Vatuvei - that's a pretty handy collection to chose from.

The spine picks itself, it's been a long time since Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kieran Foran, Shaun Johnson and Issac Luke were all fit at the same time (and please, don't ask if picking Foran is too soon). Same goes with the pack, no question all of this team will be there. Marty Taupau has to start, his form has been irresistible.

But the bench is open for debate.

Russell Packer should get a recall that looked an impossible dream just a few years ago from his jail cell. 

Russell Packer has been in career best form for the Dragons this year (Getty)
Russell Packer has been in career best form for the Dragons this year (Getty)

He's got his life back on track, shown remorse and made changes - plus he's going great on the field. Adam Blair has been one of the few players to return from the poor tour of the UK with his reputation unblemished and Kodi Nikorima's versatility has to see him included, an all big-man bench is too risky in a Test match.

There is a ton of experience on show so far - but there's always room for a rookie in World Cup year. Nelson Asofa-Solomona brings a raw boned, aggressive approach that can provide a real point of difference. 

Nelson Asofa-Solomona put in a man of the match performance against the Warriors on ANZAC day (Getty)
Nelson Asofa-Solomona put in a man of the match performance against the Warriors on ANZAC day (Getty)

Opposition hate playing him and that's a good thing. Give him a taste of Test footy now and get him hooked before the World Cup. Manu Ma'u can feel hard done by missing out.

The 18th and 19th man roles should give those on the fringe a taste of what to expect. James Gavet still has a long way to go, but if he keeps up his 2017 momentum, he may knock down the door come the end of the year for a spot - why not get him comfortable with the Kiwi camp environment early? And even though he's been there before and is under an injury cloud, Te Marie Martin would benefit with spending a week with Foran and Johnson to learn what's expected if he's called upon.

Tohu Harris would be there if fit, and he'll be there come the end of the year. And what about these for forward pack options still up their sleeve...

Ben Matulino, Bodene Thompson, Lewis Brown, Greg Eastwood, Sam Lisone, Jared Warea-Hargreaves, James Fisher-Harris, Alex Glenn, Suaia Matagi, Joseph Tapine, Issac Liu, Sio Siua  Taukeiaho, Kenny Bromwich.

Not to mention rising talent like Corey Harawira-Naera, Herman Ese'ese, Agnatius Paasi and Leivaha Pulu that could force their name into contention - and that's not even taking into account the battle for the allegiance of Kayla Ponga and Suliasi Vunivalu.

After a lean 2016, depth is suddenly back on the Kiwis side.

Proposed Kiwis squad

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jason Nightingale, David Fusitu'a, Jordan Kahu, Jordan Rapana, Kieran Foran,Shaun Johnson, Jesse Bromwich, Issac Luke, Martin Taupau, Kevin Proctor, Simon Mannering,Jason Taumalolo.

Bench: Kodi Nikorima, Adam Blair, Russell Packer, Nelson Asofa-Solamona.

18th man: James Gavet, 19th man: Te Marie Martin

 

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