The New Zealand rugby league team have opened their Four Nations campaign with an emphatic 30-12 win over defending champions Australia in Brisbane.
Martin Taupau celebrates New Zealand's victory over Australia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Martin Taupau celebrates New Zealand's victory over Australia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The score was locked at 12-12 at half-time before the visitors scored 18 unanswered second-half points as the Kiwis snapped their eight-game losing streak against the Kangaroos.
Also at Suncorp Stadium, England came from behind to beat Samoa 32-26 in their opening match of the tournament.
The result places New Zealand in pole position to qualify for the November 15 final in Wellington, the win coming on the same ground where the Kiwis claimed the World Cup and Four Nations crowns in 2008 and 2010 respectively.
Coach Stephen Kearney wasn't getting carried away with the win though and was quick to put the triumph in perspective saying it's just the first step towards their goal of winning back the Four Nations title.
The loss ended world champion Australia's tilt at a record-setting 17-test unbeaten streak.
The Kiwis recovered from a tough start to inflict Australia's third loss in 37 Tests with a powerful performance from the forwards and a starring effort from halfback Shaun Johnson paving the way for the win.
The Kiwis scored five tries to the Kangaroos two, with wing Jason Nightingale, forwards Lewis Brown and Kevin Proctor, centre Dean Whare and Johnson all dotting down, with the latter adding five conversions to his personal tally.
