Shaun Johnson’s magic feet, his deceptive speed and his brilliant football brain spearheaded the Kiwis’ 22-18 win over the Kangaroos on Saturday night to capture the Four Nations tournament in windy Wellington.
Johnson was head and shoulders above the field in a man-of-the-match performance in front of a parochial 25,183 crowd that lapped up the fact it was the first time in 60 years the Kiwis have beaten the Kangaroos in successive Tests.
The playmaker called all the main shots all night and set up two tries, but it was his solo try that tore the Kangaroos apart.
Having split the defence mid-field, Johnson did the seemingly impossible, skirting Greg Inglis on the outside to leave the Kangaroo fullback sprawling empty-handed.
Nobody does that to Greg Inglis.
Yet while Johnson was the stand-out, he wasn’t the only Kiwi to shine.
Martin Taupau came off the bench to create havoc every time he touched the ball, skipper Simon Mannering was tireless, as was Jesse Bromwich, with Kieran Foran’s understanding with Johnson right off the top shelf.
Add two of the best finishing wingers in the code – Jason Nightingale and Manu Vatuvei – and little wonder the Kiwis took home the bickies.
The second and final quarters belonged exclusively to New Zealand, as if they owned the ball. If it hadn’t been for the Kangaroos’ dogged defence, the Kiwis would have chalked up a cricket score.
The Kangaroos sorely missed Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater, but coach Tim Sheens could only play with the cards he was dealt.
With those two world-class footballers on duty, Inglis would have been in the centres where his brilliance would have had more impact.
Missing the likes of Paul Gallen, Nate Myles, Matt Scott, James Tamou and Andrew Fifita also made a huge difference, but let’s not take anything away from the Johnson-inspired Kiwis.
The one really bright spark was rookie Roo Ben Hunt, who only made two brief appearances off the bench, but made his presence felt immediately with a try in each Test.
Even though he was the third dummy half after Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans, Hunt was the most effective of the three.
What was disappointing with the Kangaroos was the persistent one pass, tackled, one pass, tackled, one pass, tackled…
Apart from the monotony of watching such negativity, and predictability, the likes of Inglis and the two rookie wingers Josh Mansour and Sione Mata’utia, the youngest Kangaroo in history, were not seen to advantage.
When they got a sniff, both wingers looked dangerous. But it was a long time between drinks.
Inglis is like Wallaby fullback Israel Folau. Ignoring their massive attacking ability is a crime, but both are suffering the same fate at the moment by being ignored by those in front of them.
Neither should wither on the vine, it’s such a waste of talent.
So rugby league goes into competitive hibernation for roughly three months. For Kiwis there will be a lot of celebrating. For the Kangaroos, just a lot of pain.
wellington
Guest
2nd XIII with C.Smith and C.Cronk? So who are Aus first choise Hooker and Half.
Wardad
Guest
We dont want it ,shove it back in .
Muzz
Guest
This was the camera angle they should've shown in the Grand Final but failed too.They showed it last night as part of the Suzanne Young NRL story.Have a look at the grounding of the ball around the 50 second mark. What are your thoughts? Did he ground it? I'm still not sure. http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/video/league?videoid=3894678751001
Anakin
Guest
he was out?? bahahaha. Shoulda gone to specsavers!
Steve
Guest
Great game to watch, regardless who won....
Anakin
Guest
Cant recall that particular incident - but just because joey claimed it doesnt make it gospel either. as I said, where is the consistency?? the obstruction rule (like the strip v loose carry) is a mess!
Mrs Slocum
Guest
As I said congrats. In reality the kiwis were exceptionally lucky to beat England and Samoa and arguably shouldn't have been in the final, but because it was a requirement to have the home side in he final so at least so people would turn up , NZ were gifted a place . Last years World Cup result was a true indication of the difference in these sides! This is my opinion , and you are entitled to it.
Whites
Guest
Yes. It was Sky Sports providing the images.
Monday's Expert
Guest
Best result, for the game overall, that could have happened. + the Kiwi's deserved the win, they were miles in front of us. How good was Johnson??? Well done, congratulations to the best team!
Hoy
Roar Guru
I think it was Sky Sports wasn't it? I thought I heard someone saying pictures were courtesy of them... Could be wrong. I missed the replay... must have been a bloody quick one...
Hoy
Roar Guru
That is where League's black and white rules run into trouble... Foran saw DCE was going to get the ball, got into position early... and was done for pace. Pure and simple. The pass behind had nothing to do with teh try itself, which I would have allowed from either team to be honest. I would have been disappointed for either team not to be allowed that try, and that is the issue I have with League's obstruction rulings...
Hoy
Roar Guru
I am just wondering why we never got a replay of the pass? I am still yet to see which pass was deemed forward...
Loosey
Guest
Hey kiwi pull your head in and show your own team some respect, they are far from 2nd rate athletes, they are competing in the best rugby competition in the world. Your 'mighty' all blacks would be happy to have many of them.
2ztala
Guest
More like 84+ minuets because it switched off for about a minuet before coming back on with the new time. I feel that NRL and the Rugby League generally lacks any credibility, certainly it cannot be described as having integrity. The old adage of "A gentleman's game played/managed by thugs" may need to be revisited. Can't see this great game growing until it changes.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Only RTS and Matulino will get into this side..... DWZ was dropped, Hurrell won't get in front of the incumbent centres and should stick with Tonga.... JWH will be lucky to get picked again.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Nice input on the match Kaks.... smh
Renegade
Roar Guru
I've quickly remembered why we usually enjoy smashing the kiwis..... terrible winners across the tasman.
Renegade
Guest
except in the World Cup last year where he was the best player on the field in the biggest game of all.
cedric
Guest
having the young Matautia (sorry about spelling) up against Manu showed, one on one Manu against anyone all day, let alone an 18 year old!! Not the brightest of selections. I think having Proctor and Taumololo playing 4 tests is going to be good for the kiwis, the rest of the pack can handle it. This series will only strengthen the Kiwis' for when they come up against Scott/Tamou/Gallen/Myles, and by then the kiwis' might add Matalino/McKendry/Moa/Kasiano all of which I believe are alot younger than the aforementioned. Roos' really did miss Thurston/Slater, which saw Inglis wasted at fullback. The kiwis twice shut down Inglis involvement, as we saw Inglis impressive in both other games. Can't wait for a re-match!
hooker
Guest
Yes that was odd did the game go for 83 minutes