New Zealand Kiwis Test team perform the Haka. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited
IN 2008 Benji Marshall provided the magic in guiding New Zealand to an upset World Cup victory over Australia.
At the peak of his powers he was the catalyst to the Kiwis pulling off one of the game's great upsets.
Since then the one burning frustration felt by national coach Tim Sheens and his Kangaroos is that despite their domination of international rugby league they do not carry the "official" title of world champions.
Although they have won just one of 11 Tests against the Aussies since that World Cup, New Zealand maintain the title based on that victory in 2008.
It has been a long wait for redemption for the green and golds but in a few months they will finally get their chance to rectify the situation.
However, while they have proven almost unbeatable in recent years, it seems to me that if they are to capture the World Cup crown at the end of the year in England, they will need to produce their very best.
New Zealand are poised to mount a fierce defence and while it will not be Benji leading the fight, the likes of Sonny, Shaun, Kieran and co. will relish taking on the might of the Australians.
In fact if current form is maintained they will go in with a squad that includes some of the standout players of this year's premiership.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been the competition's most intimidating forward and while he walks a fine line, he is generally controlled aggression. As the spearhead of an outstanding Roosters front six, the front-rower takes great delight in making the early exchanges a personal contest.
He has the best body language of any of the game's forwards and makes it crystal clear that if you run his way, you will be accommodated.
Waerea-Hargreaves' game is up-tempo and that gives his team every opportunity to grab early momentum on the back of his charges.
Kieran Foran has been the competition's most consistent and effective ball-player and despite his relative youth, plays with a remarkable degree of maturity.
He is a pure footballer who plays aggressively without self-preservation, yet has the silky skills to put a teammate away with the deftest of touches.
It was no surprise that in the April Test he was handed the captaincy following the withdrawal of Simon Mannering because he has always played like a leader.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been the competition's most elusive ball-runner with a swag of defenders still wondering which way he went.
We have seen many players with great footwork over the years but this young man possesses moves that are unique. Will-o'-the-wisp doesn't do him justice.
He was given a taste of being in the Kiwis squad in Canberra and with another half season under his belt, he will be even more ready for the step up.
Finally there is Sonny Bill Williams who has been the competition's most complete package this year. There was never any doubt that his return to the game would be successful, it was just a matter of to what degree.
Sonny plays with an aura of complete confidence and backs this up with a game that includes power, pace, vision, skill and execution.
However what I find really appealing is the lack of selfishness in his performance, it is all about making it easier for those around him.
Even his quieter games are full of quality.
These players will be surrounded by the strongest group of New Zealand talent that I have seen and the following side would be formidable opposition.
At the back, two speedy youngsters in Josh Hoffman and Kevin Locke will battle for the No.1 jersey.
With Sheck on one wing, Manu Vatuvei monsters his way on to the other.
Selectors could go with the safer option of Jason Nightingale or Sam Perrett but to beat Australia you can't go safe. Steve Matai at left centre will be at home running off Manly teammate Foran while the Roosters' partnership of Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Sheck would occupy the right.
Foran and Shaun Johnson pick themselves in the halves and while the latter was off his game on the weekend against the Sharks, he has shown this season his sheer speed and footwork will worry any team.
A back-row of Williams, Mannering and Alex Glenn is mobile with a great work ethic.
While a starting front-row of Waerea-Hargreaves, Issac Luke and Ben Matulino is equally impressive and most definitely tough enough.
The real strength of any team is demonstrated by their bench and the Kiwis will have a choice including Frank Pritchard, Kevin Proctor, Elijah Taylor, Tohu Harris, Greg Eastwood, Jessie Bromwich, Sika Manu, Konrad Hurrell, Thomas Leuluai, Sam Kasiano and others I'm sure to have overlooked.
Fourteen teams will contest this year's World Cup but it will be Australia and New Zealand who will contest the final at Old Trafford on November 30.
The winner will be deserved champions and if the Aussies are to reign supreme, coach Sheens will have certainly earned his money.
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