ANZAC test Review

By Stephen Gallagher

Kangaroos 16 Kiwis 0

Unfortunately a last minute try blew this game’s tense scoreline out.

The Kangaroos were deserved winners, and the damage was done in the first half – where two soft tries were scored and the Aussies made it count.

The Kiwis lacked direction all night, when only one player in their spine is in position it was always going to be a mammoth task to score points.

Take nothing away from Australia, they did enough to win but they are going to struggle at the end of the year if this is the side they bring to the Four Nations.

A second-rate band of misfits took Australia to the limit, and tackled their hearts out in that second 40.

The Kiwis will be disappointed – and rightfully so. They no longer need to accept mediocracy. They are a world class side with depth galore, but simply they were not good enough tonight.

Out of the Aussies, Paul Gallen in seemingly his last test was brilliant. Relentless with ball in hand, he soaked up a lot of energy of the Kiwi tacklers and was their best tonight.

For the Kiwis – Jordan Kahu at fullback saved this team from an embarrassing defeat. His awareness was world class, and was always there to save the day in that second half.

Overall – This wasn’t the best test match in history. There were plenty of dropped balls, plenty of soft penalties and a few moments where it looked better to call the game early than continue, just to save some dignity to the game.

Congrats to the Kangaroos on winning their first international match in 18 months.

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