The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Highlights: Kangaroos crush Kiwis 26-6 in Perth

15th October, 2016
Advertisement
Australia reclaimed the Four Nations trophy from New Zealand. (AAP Image/Tony McDonough)
Roar Guru
15th October, 2016
21
1850 Reads

The people of Perth were treated to their first dose of international rugby league with 20,283 turning out to watch Australia defeat New Zealand by 20 points.

» Re-live all the action with our live blog

The Haka sent shivers through the spine of the capacity crowd, however, the Kangaroos responded well, racing out of the blocks and claiming an early try just eight minutes in with Darius Boyd finding space to score from a Johnathan Thurston pass.

Australia continued their charge just six minutes later with Scott offloading to Thurston, shifting it right for Inglis who put Holmes in space, the falcon helping Inglis to score.

New Zealand hit back soon after to claim their first points of the game with Shaun Johnson servicing Kevin Proctor with a short ball, putting the Kiwis within two after Thurston missed both conversions earlier on.

There were no more points scored in the first half after what was a hard-fought battle with neither side giving an inch.

The hosts opened the first half on a high with poor ball security seeing Shaun Kenny-Dowall lose possession. Johnathan Thurston cleared it for Greg Inglis to help Valentine Holmes over on debut.

Greg Inglis grabbed another in the 68th minute, scoring off a Cameron Smith grubber to secure the win for Australia.

Advertisement

Solomone Kata looked to grab a consolation try as the clock wound down, however, the Warriors centre was ruled offside, New Zealand’s last glimpse of hope crushed.

Boyd Cordner gave Australia a 20-point win off a Thurston short ball to put the Kangaroos in good stead ahead of the Four Nations.

New Zealand will need to improve on their kicking game and handling as they prepare to take on England in Huddersfield.

Meanwhile Australia will arrive in Hull on a high ahead of their Four Nations opener against Scotland.

close