Kangaroos must stop in-form Kiwi enforcer Fuifui Moimoi

Australia's new-look forward pack has been told it must find a way to stop New Zealand enforcer Fuifui Moimoi or risk being torn to shreds in the opening game of the Four Nations tournament.Moimoi was the form forward in the NRL over the closing months of the season, culminating in his outstanding display in the grand final, where many considered him unlucky not to win the Clive Churchill Medal despite playing in a losing Parramatta side.Those performances have made Moimoi a marked man heading into the Four Nations, which starts in little more than a week when Australia plays New Zealand in London. If the Australians cannot find a way to limit the impact of his surges, they have been warned the repercussions might be terminal.With Moimoi creating room to move for Kiwi captain Benji Marshall, New Zealand could replicate its World Cup victory over the Kangaroos."I think it's very important for Australia," Kangaroos legend Ray Price said."Melbourne couldn't stop him (in the grand final). Whenever anyone is at the peak of their career and their form is so good, of course you have to stop them."I really don't think there's a way to stop Fui when he's got his confidence up and he starts running like that. It's so hard."He's the best forward running around at the moment."Asked about the danger presented by Marshall, another former Kangaroo Brett Kenny warned his impact would hinge on Australia's ability to contain Moimoi:"Obviously, Marshall is playing with a lot more confidence now. He's obviously a player they have to watch. But they will have a good forward pack. Fuifui will be in the front row. He's in form."Moimoi is not the only concern for the Kangaroos. Melbourne's Adam Blair, the other outstanding forward in the grand final, is also a key for the Kiwis.While Petero Civoniceva is certain to start the game for the Kangaroos after overcoming a foot injury, the other props in the squad - Brett White, David Shillington and Ben Hannant - have all played State of Origin but are yet to taste Test football.Gone from the side that dominated the Kiwis in May are the injured Steve Price and Luke Bailey, and the axed Brent Kite. Australia thrashed New Zealand 38-10 in that match but Moimoi did not play.Asked whether it was possible to contain Moimoi, Price said: "It all depends on the tacklers and how they tackle him. That's what it's all about. There's certain things you can and can't do. Trying to tackle Fui around the legs - you can't do that. It's up to the blokes to figure out how they're going to do it."It's been four years since the Kangaroos lost the opening game of a tournament, although that did not help them at last year's World Cup. Australia beat New Zealand 30-6 to open the tournament but was stunned in the final, losing 34-20.That defeat still haunts the survivors."Our forward pack is going to have to get on top of theirs. If they can't they're going to have a hard time stopping a player like Benji Marshall," Kenny said."He's very good with the ball in his hands."

"I did say if he trimmed down. If he was proper fit and kept in shape I am confident he could handle cup level footy. I am not saying that will happen"

"If you're not first, you're last. We were never going to win a comp in 25. Are we on a better path than.the previous decade, I'd say it's early days but yes."

"Mate it's absolutely cheating. It's giving his team and unfair advantage as to make the ball difficult to grip giving the defence a huge advantage. It slows the passing game and also there a good chance the opposition knock on "

Eels Blogs

Kangaroos must stop in-form Kiwi enforcer Fuifui Moimoi

Replies

More stuff to read

Eels blogs

Dirty PANTHERS CAUGHT CHEATING

NSW Cup - Rd 10 vs Dogs

Tim Smith

Stephen Crichton

Note: this page contains paid content.

Social Blogs

I say if we lose this week against Newcastle we will come last

Jim Sarantinos on SEN: Moses an outside chance before R9

Highest score

Cyclone Alfred

Note: this page contains paid content.