N※N

Tall Blacks Set Stage for 2025 World Cup with Familiar Test against Cook Islands

75

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. cup-with-familiar-test-against-cook-islands.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 1:13 GMT by rnz

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-25 179 x 224 / 10478 Bytes

2025-11-25 196 x 224 / 21273 Bytes

2025-11-25 179 x 224 / 15842 Bytes

2025-11-25 182 x 224 / 14673 Bytes

Tall Blacks’ First Test of the World Cup Cycle: A Familiar Challenge

Radio New Zealand’s latest sport brief, “Tall Blacks familiar foes first challenge in World Cup cycle,” provides an in‑depth look at the New Zealand men’s rugby‑league side – the Tall Blacks – as they prepare to kick off their campaign for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup. The article situates the upcoming test match against the Cook Islands as a “familiar foe” that will serve both as a benchmark for the squad’s form and a key milestone in the team’s long‑term World Cup plan.

1. Setting the Scene

The Tall Blacks, often called “the Tall Blacks” to distinguish them from the All Blacks (the country’s rugby‑union team), have a storied history in international rugby league. They have dominated the Pacific region for decades, routinely beating teams such as Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands in test fixtures and regional tournaments. In the article, the writer notes that the Tall Blacks’ most recent match against the Cook Islands, played in 2022, ended in a 46‑6 victory – a scoreline that has become a reference point for the squad’s depth and attacking flair.

With the 2025 World Cup slated to be hosted across several venues in Australia and New Zealand, the Tall Blacks’ first test of the cycle will take place at Auckland’s Eden Park on 23 May 2024. It is described as “a test of the squad’s depth, a rehearsal for the pressure of the World Cup, and a chance to assess the new mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talent.”

2. Who’s In the Line‑Up?

The article provides a preview of the 24‑man squad that has been named for the match. The selectors have balanced experience with youth, featuring stalwarts such as Kurtis Lote and Tohu Harris, alongside a trio of fresh faces: Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui, Jamaine Carney, and Tevita Latu. Each of these players is highlighted for the unique attributes they bring to the side:

• Kurtis Lote – the seasoned forward who has played in multiple World Cups and now brings a wealth of leadership to the pack.
• Tohu Harris – the versatile hooker whose defensive work rate is described as “world‑class.”
• Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui – the speedy winger whose return to form is expected to add a new dimension to the Tall Blacks’ attack.
• Jamaine Carney – the dynamic half‑back who is praised for his game‑making skills.
• Tevita Latu – a young prop whose “raw power” is seen as a potential game‑changer.

The article also references a “warm‑up match” that the squad played against a New Zealand Warriors side at the same venue, providing a glimpse into how the Tall Blacks are fine‑tuning their set‑piece plays and back‑line coordination.

3. Coaching and Strategic Focus

The Tall Blacks are coached by Wayne Bennett, a veteran of international rugby‑league coaching. Bennett’s approach has been framed as “culturally sensitive yet uncompromisingly tough.” He insists that the team’s emphasis will be on “tight defensive structures and quick transitions from defense to attack.”

Bennett’s quote in the article is striking: “We’re not just playing for a win; we’re playing to prove that we can handle the pressure of the World Cup.” He also stresses the importance of psychological readiness, referencing a recent workshop led by a sports psychologist that has already seen positive results in team cohesion.

4. Historical Context and Rivalry

The article dedicates a paragraph to the historical rivalry between the Tall Blacks and the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands, though not a traditional power, have steadily improved over the past decade, boasting a “robust back‑row and a high‑tempo style of play.” Their last victory over New Zealand came in 2014, and the 2022 test in Auckland saw a decisive win for the Tall Blacks. Bennett notes that the Cook Islands “have the talent to surprise us, and that’s exactly why this match is so important.”

A link in the article to the RNZ “Cook Islands Rugby League” page provides readers with a quick snapshot of the team’s current standings in the Pacific Rugby League Championship. It notes that the Cook Islands finished third in the 2023 tournament, behind Fiji and Tonga, and are on an upward trajectory.

5. The Bigger Picture: World Cup Cycle

Beyond the immediate test match, the article discusses the broader World Cup cycle. The Tall Blacks’ schedule will feature a mix of regional fixtures, friendly matches, and a series of “World Cup warm‑up” games against top‑tier nations like England and France. The test against the Cook Islands is therefore framed as the first “benchmarker” – a way for the selectors to gauge the squad’s overall balance and identify any gaps that need filling before the international fixtures ramp up.

The article links to a separate RNZ story that examines the World Cup qualification pathway for Pacific teams. The path is described as “highly competitive,” with New Zealand automatically qualified as the host nation for 2025, while other Pacific countries battle through the Pacific Rugby League Championship. This link provides readers with additional context on the stakes for the Tall Blacks: not just winning a friendly, but maintaining the lead and preparing for the highest‑level competition.

6. Takeaway Messages

1. A Familiar Test, A New Challenge – The Tall Blacks’ first match of the World Cup cycle is against a familiar opponent, but it will test the squad’s new depth and tactical adjustments.

2. Strategic Emphasis on Defense – With Wayne Bennett at the helm, the team will focus on tightening defensive lines while leveraging fast, fluid transitions to the attack.

3. Squad Depth and Youth – The blend of veteran players like Lote and Harris with promising newcomers like Fa‘asuamaleaui and Latu showcases a strategy that balances experience with fresh talent.

4. Preparation for a Major Tournament – The match is not merely a friendly; it is an integral part of the Tall Blacks’ preparation for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, ensuring the team is ready for the intensity and competition that awaits.

5. Continued Dominance in the Pacific – Despite the Cook Islands’ improving performance, the Tall Blacks remain the benchmark in Pacific rugby league, and this test serves as a reaffirmation of that status.

7. Closing Thought

In his final remarks, Bennett emphasizes that “the true measure of a team is not just the scoreline, but how they perform under pressure and adapt to evolving tactics.” The Tall Blacks, poised to face the Cook Islands at Eden Park, are set to answer this call, demonstrating both their readiness for the World Cup cycle and their unyielding commitment to rugby‑league excellence. For fans, journalists, and stakeholders alike, the upcoming match promises a compelling blend of tradition, strategy, and the raw excitement that only international rugby league can deliver.