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Kiwis seek to rediscover attacking mojo

The Kiwis want the attacking dam to burst against Scotland after averaging less than eight points per Test in 2016.

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Source: AAP


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Fullback Jordan Kahu wants the spluttering Kiwis attack to fire against Scotland and not just because a place in the Four Nations final is at stake.

The Test in Workington on Friday is a tricky proposition for New Zealand, who are heavily favoured to beat the winless Scots.

The Kiwis are guaranteed a spot in next week's final in Liverpool if they win by at least 42 points.

Any less and they leave open the possibility of being shut out by an unfavourable result when Australia and England meet in London on Sunday.

Kahu says the coaching staff haven't yet discussed their approach to the game.

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The Brisbane Broncos back says regardless of the permutations, the Kiwis attack is in need of a rev-up after scoring just 31 points in their four Tests this year.

They lost 16-0 and 26-6 in Tests in Australia before a Four Nations campaign which has so far reaped a 17-16 win over England and 14-8 defeat to the Kangaroos.

"In the last couple of Tests, execution has really disappointed us," Kahu said.

"A few mistakes have led to missed opportunities.

"We've been working on that sort of stuff and making sure everyone's in the right place at the right time."

Prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and winger Jason Nightingale both trained fully, possibly putting them in contention after missing the Australian Test with injury.

Kahu believes the Kiwis selectors face a dilemma over whether to change a team which has been stable through its last three Tests.

Five of the tournament squad are still to play - uncapped quartet James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine, Te Maire Martin and David Fusitu'a and one-Test winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

"They obviously deserve a shot. They've been pushing us at training and making sure we're fighting for our positions," Kahu said.

"But I know if Scotland were coming to New Zealand, we'd definitely put our best team on the park."


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