2 Nov 2016

Kiwis dismiss claims match winning kick missed

11:58 am on 2 November 2016

The Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson has hit back at the controversy over his match- winning field goal against England and suggestions it sailed wide of the uprights.

Johnson kicked the winner in the Kiws' Four Nations 17-16 win against England however replays brought into question the legitimacy of the one-pointer.

The Warriors halfback said he was positive the right-veering kick from 10 metres out scraped inside the upright in the tense one-point win at Huddersfield.

Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson during 2016 Four Nations

Kiwis halfback Shaun Johnson during 2016 Four Nations Photo: Photosport

"I guess I probably had the best view out of everyone," Johnson said in Manchester.

"It went over. I don't think any of the players complained on the field."

Johnson's drop goal 10 minutes from fulltime proved the difference, handing David Kidwell his first win as coach.

Replays cast doubt on the shot's accuracy, with referee Robert Hicks out of position to correctly make the call however players from both teams accepted it.

Footage filmed directly behind the goal posts showed the ball cross the path of the upright, however it was unclear whether it had crossed the plane before or after going over the goalposts.

New Zealand forward Tohu Harris backed up his teammate's account of events.

"We were just surprised that people threw that out there but it definitely went over," Harris said.

"There was a few of us standing right there. I think I was standing next to Shaun when he took the drop goal.

"As soon as he got it we all started running back and pretty much started thinking about our next job really."

The Kiwis play Australia on Sunday morning.

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