Kangaroos no certainties say opposition

[josie andrews]

WORLD Cup captains yesterday sent a blunt message to raging favourites Australia - don't get too cocky.
As the 10 skippers gathered in Sydney, the nine opposing skippers warned they would not be stood over by the world champion Kangaroos.

Several even tipped England and New Zealand to win the 10-team tournament, with the rest united in playing down talk an Australian win was a "foregone conclusion".

Kangaroos captain Darren Lockyer said his team, the hot $1.20 favourites with TAB Sportsbet, were feeling the pressure.

"We know that not all the time the favourites win," Lockyer said. "We realise that it is going to be tough and that there's absolutely no room for complacency from us."

Rival skippers were quick to remind Australia - who name their side today for Sunday's opening match against New Zealand at the SFS - that the tournament was no foregone conclusion. "Australia's got all the class. They've got all the great players but I think New Zealand will be the darkhorse. I'm tipping them to win," said Tonga captain Lopini Paea.
PNG skipper John Wilshere said he had been impressed with England.

"I think it's up for anyone. I like England," he said. "England are a well-drilled team. Tonga and Samoa will be strong. I don't think Australia are across the line. There will be a shock from outside the major pool."

Fijian captain Wes Naiqama claimed his side was ready to shock the top-line nations.

"The Pacific Island sides can certainly give it a shake," said Naiqama. "We certainly aren't writing ourselves off. We haven't come here to make up the numbers."

French skipper Jerome Guisset echoed Naiqama's thoughts. "Australia have the strongest roster but England look very strong, so do New Zealand and Samoa," he said. "It will be very tough and competitive."

English skipper Jamie Peacock said his team were happy to be underdogs. "Australia have dominated for the last 30 years but they have had some players drop out," he said. "It's there to be won. It's up to us to perform."

Samoa's Nigel Vagana said: "Australia have been favourites for a very, very long time in any league tournament they've been in. But every now and then it doesn't work out that way.

"There are nine teams out here looking to pull the wool over their eyes."

Kiwi captain Nathan Cayless said minnow sides were poised for upsets.

"I'm sure you are going to see some upsets thrown in there," he said.

Scotland captain Danny Brough added: "It's all on the day. The Kiwis had a great win over Tonga (last weekend) and you can never write England off, especially under Tony Smith."


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