'We've got what it takes': Kiwis set sights on World Cup glory

The Kiwis are desperate for a chance to topple the Kangaroos as Stacey Jones' men turn their focus to next year's World Cup. 

New Zealand are basking in the afterglow of a dominant Pacific Championships campaign that culminated with a commanding 36-14 win over Samoa in the Cup final.

The win rocketed the Kiwis into join favouritism alongside Australia for the World Cup and hooker Phoenix Crossland has a simple message for the Kangaroos. 

You're next. 

"I'm biased because I play for them but we've got the best team in the world," Crossland told marvelbet365.com. "We've got what it takes to win the World Cup.

"There's a lot of preparation to happen before we start talking about that so we're going to enjoy the Pacific Championships win and the World Cup next year is exciting."

Excitement is building for the World Cup, with the draw for the hotly contested tournament expected to be announced later this month.

Australia have returned home after a dominant 3-0 Ashes win over England, however they still face plenty of questions heading into 2026.

New Zealand's Pacific Championships dominance was built on the back of a physical forward pack boasting a mix of experience and emerging talent.

Joe Tapine, James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota laid the foundation up front, before bench trio Erin Clark, Xavier Willison and Naufahu Whyte ensured there was no respite for their opponents. 

The interchange forwards will be even better in 2026 with another year of football under their belts. 

Australia's depth has been tested in recent years following the defection of Payne Haas to Samoa.

While they still boast Isaah Yeo, Angus Crichton and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, the Kangaroos lack some of the X-factor the Kiwis possess. 

That, according to Tapine, is an area his side will be looking to expose next year.

"Australia are still a force to be reckoned with," Tapine said. "We will have a good game if we clash next year. The Pacific Island teams are unreal and will be hard to beat at the World Cup as well. 

"Our bench has been unreal for us. Naufahu is one of the strongest middles I've had to tackle, so it's good to have him on the team. Xavier has won a comp and done some special things for the Broncos and Erin was the [Dally M] lock of the year. 

"We've got the best forward pack in the world and we want to show it."

While the Kiwis are riding a high, they don't have to look far to know how quickly things can change.

New Zealand stunned Australia 30-0 in the 2023 Pacific Cup final before losses to the Kangaroos and Tonga left them facing relegation just 12 months later.

That is now in the rearview mirror, as are disappointing early exits at the 2017 and 2022 World Cups. 

Now, the focus is purely on taking another leap forward on the sport's biggest stage. 

"It was an unreal feeling to win the Pacific Championships and it sets us up beautifully for the World Cup," Matt Timoko said. 

"We've set out a performance level this year that we've put out there and we're going to have to be at that level next year if we want to get anywhere. It's been wonderful being part of this team and we're looking forward to the World Cup."

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