Never mind what you might have read throughout the week – that was a highly entertaining Test match and NZ were more than up to the challenge.
They were the better side in the first half and had that half-time lead; in the end, however, Australia’s class shone through with an 18-0 second half performance to get their 16th consecutive win, a record in international footy.
NZ were in it right up until the end but probably lacked a bit of class and execution, particularly with about 10 minutes to go when they had a couple of good chances to equalise but couldn’t capitalise. Australia defended well and struck back with a great long-range try to Cronk, again down that right flank, to put the game out of the Kiwis’ reach.
International rugby league returns for 2014 as Australia take on New Zealand in the trans-Tasman Test. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:45pm AEST.
There’s no way around it – this Test is shaping up as a lopsided affair.
There’s a huge experience gap of 2000 games between these two nations. With the likes of Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Paul Gallen on deck, the Kangaroos have 3326 NRL games between them.
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The New Zealanders, meanwhile, have a wealth of players missing through injury or otherwise, with Kieran Foran, Sonny-Bill Williams, Issac Luke and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves just a few of the unavailable names.
In their place the Kiwis have selected six debutants – including Siliva Havili, with only three NRL games to his name, and Isaac John, currently playing NSW Cup – for a total of 1326 NRL games between them.
Upsets have been the order of the year so far in 2014 as NRL teams adapt to new rules that have sped up the game, but with the talent on board for the Green and Golds it’s hard to imagine this going any way other than a comfortable win for the Kangaroos.
But this is international rugby league, and with every man and his dog writing off the Kiwis, pride in the jumper may be enough to lift them to make this a closer contest than expected.
Will the Kangaroos dominate as expected, or can the young Kiwis lift and stick it to their seemingly invincible rivals?
Kangaroos by 30.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:45pm AEST.
Ak47
Guest
That game was absolutely ridiculous the kiwis should've won Brett Morris he's to fast u need Usain bolt to catch him THIS IS AK47 GO THE MIGHTY WEST TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brad. H
Guest
Nah Benny , it just means the other Rosters guys won't have to work as hard when $BW goes back to Union....again ! ;-)
Tony Cook
Guest
I'm starting to think there might be something in that Haka. They sure went for it as soon as they reeled their tongues back in, and our boys kept the same wide-eyed look almost right through till halftime while the Kiwis handed them a belting. Best haka I've ever seen btw.
Tony Cook
Guest
Yeah the Kiwis were tops. I even liked the Haka. And what about Shaun Johnstone? He's a genius halfback.
Tony Cook
Guest
Yeah I thought Billy had a top game in attack - just that early fumble and the fact that he failed to stop a couple of those charging rhinos on the line. He made three of the tries in my view and was the main difference between the two teams in attack. Who got MOTM? Was it Billy?
Benny
Guest
Gee roosters are doing well to be winning with him then...
up in the north
Guest
Not so much a hard marker, as someone who really admires him and don't want to watch him at less than at his best. I think it's because of how high his ability is that when he drops down to mere mortal class it looks a lot worse than it should. There were little hints last night that he hasn't quite got the same edge he used to have. But even at 80% he is better than anyone else.
Raugeee
Guest
Definitely Cronk
Raugeee
Guest
You must've watched a different game to me. Billy was fine. Some of his brilliant takes on the bounce which could easily have turned into counter attack. His brilliant chiming in on the set moves was excellent. His cut out pass to Morris for the try was top class. No defensive mistakes. You must be a very hard marker!!
up in the north
Guest
Good game, good result. All round an excellent win for international footy. Games played at this standard will draw big crowds any day of the week. On a critical note, I think Billy The Kid might be on his last legs in rep' footy though. I'm a big fan of him, but I hate to see a bloke on that downward spiral to mediocrity. I reckon the Queensland team will look a lot different by game 3, than what it looks at the start of the series. Well done to Kearney too, after the crap thrown at him and his team all week he deserves all the kudos.
johm gibson
Guest
Did Thurston score or was it cronke?.confused see score wrap
hardy waihape
Guest
kiwi coach did say our boys will play their best and they showed it tonight considering australias domanance in the test and having one of the greatest test teams of today us kiwis may not beat you but we will give it a go
soapit
Guest
20 nil in the second half
Renegade
Guest
I must admit I thought our boys would walk over the Kiwis but after all that I was more impressed by the Kiwis performance and attitude. The one person that copped the most grief during the lead up was Stephen Kearney and my god does he deserve the most praise after tonight.... he had his team of misfits ready for this match, up and firing. Great game of footy, there's just something about test footy that other levels of rugby league just doesn't have.... thoroughly enjoyed the night. Congratulations to everyone who made the trip to the game tonight which was marketed as the worst contest you will ever see.... great crowd who produced a brilliant atmosphere inside the ground. My man of the match was one of the NZ props.... they were enormous.
Renegade
Guest
Unforunately we can't say the same for the QLD grubs...
Renegade
Guest
Really? You're going to question class after a comment like that....
Renegade
Guest
You're going to suggest Matt Ballin for a Kangaroos jersey and expect people to take you seriously..... c'mon.
Brad. H
Guest
Is that the same Cam Smith who blamed Alex McKinnon instead of the real culprits ? . Smith is a great player and he works wonders for Aus. and Qld. BUT don't ever forget ........
Brad. H
Guest
Yep so much for all the bagging of the NZer's and all and sundry saying they'd be lucky to get 15,000 there , good match all round and a good crowd .I bet the Kiwi's are glad Sonny Dill didn't play considering he's worth 12 points to the opposition ;-)
Sylvester
Guest
Ahem ...Paul Kent, Tim Prentice et al, this so-called embrassment to RL seemed to go OK...