i think even though new zealand are winning the cups and finals games, i believe they just want to compete regularly. i mean the wallabies are similar they got hammered in the tri nations then come the deciding game they won it. the wallabies have a 96 - 41 win loss record to the all blacks so its kind of a mirror image of the kiwis win loss record to the kangaroos.
Its just that the wallabies play the all blacks more often and they can keep it close.
The kiwis need to keep it close and even need to dominate periods of the game to gauge where they are, we know they can, theyve shown they can crack the roos in a few matches (08, 09 draw, 2010 final) if they keep it tight. I mean they had the game for the taking in this years anzac test around the 55th minute mark but just things fell apart but i believe thats the sign of a good competitive future.
On depth, the kiwis have good 2nd tier depth in all positions now. not saying theres heaps of guys underneath waiting if a guy get injured but theris at least 2 or 3 that can do the job, in terms of third tier its probably not their but i think that the season has been a bit too long and i see where the boys are coming from pulling out but at the same time if your really patriotic about your country and serving it you wouldnt giveup the chance for anything.
I like the fact kearney has gone for loyalty, he wants the guys who have experience but also have tasted the joy of beating the best team in the world.
