New Zealand list SBW in provisional squad, but don't underestimate them yet.

New Zealand became the latest world cup team to announce their preliminary squads before the tournament kicks off on the 25^th October. The announcement edged the Sonny Bill Williams story further along its route after Stephen Kearney listed the latest cross code export in his forty-nine man squad. But his selection is pending a court enquiry and the player’s eligibility and availability.

Focusing on the remaining players selected, only two other squad members are from the Super League competition. Brent Webb and Thomas Leuluai represent the northern hemisphere within the Kiwi ranks, while many others are also selected to represent other teams competing. Mostly these come from the three Pacific island nations who have selected players on birth or parentage. But I have little doubt what nation the forty-nine players will play for if selected. And if you need a clue, the jersey is mostly black.

Now I don’t know about you, but I think I’m the only Englishman who is nail-biting ahead of the Anglo-Kiwi clash in Newcastle. Providing NZ can get a fully fit side on the paddock (which they haven’t been able to do for quite some time) then they are easily capable of taking the final out. While England seem to currently be second favourites in the bookies and most people’s views, just remember it wasn’t that long ago that NZ actually won a test series that also consisted of Australia. When was the last time England or GB did that? Yes I know we beat them last year as GB, and with a side that was totally eligible for England selection, but just look at the NZ squad that toured. No Benji Marshall, SBW, David Fa’alogo, Kristan Inu and David Kidwell. In fact I could go on and on and on naming players NZ have lost in recent test series to injury. And it has clearly cost them. They are no longer ranked second in the world. But frustratingly, their team can be so unpredictable.

During this world cup, they have the potential to be the most unpredictable team before the match kicks off. They have the ability to be poor one week, draft in a few star players and be amazing the next. Until that starting seventeen is announced on match day, rule New Zealand out at your peril.