The Kiwis fought hard but fell short 22-10 against the Kangaroos in a spirited battle in the Pacific Championships at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium on Sunday.
The loss at Christchurch's Apollo Projects Stadium on Sunday featured a brilliant debut from fullback Keano Kini and a relentless display from Shaun Johnson, who looked sharp in his return to the test arena.
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The Kiwis will look to regroup ahead of next week’s crucial clash against Tonga in Auckland on Saturday, with hopes of earning a rematch against the Kangaroos in the Pacific Cup final on November 10.
After an early try from Angus Crichton was disallowed, the Kiwis had a golden opportunity to strike first, following a kick out on the full by Kangaroos halfback Mitch Moses. But a mis-timed set saw the chance slip away.
It was Australia who opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Lindsay Collins crashed over despite brave efforts from Kini and Phoenix Crossland to halt him. But the Kiwis responded with flair and precision 10 minutes later, thanks to some brilliant ball movement.
Johnson found Isaiah Papali’i, whose offload allowed Kini to send Peta Hiku down the sideline. Hiku then flicked a perfect pass to Jamayne Isaako, who dived over in the corner. Isaako’s sideline conversion tied it up 6-6.
Just before halftime, the Kangaroos struck again through Tom Trbojevic, who burst into space and linked with Zac Lomax. Despite Kini’s best efforts, Lomax muscled his way over, giving Australia a 12-6 lead at the break.
The Kiwis started the second half with intent, pinning Australia deep with Johnson’s precise short kicks. But the Kangaroos held firm, denying Isaako thanks to desperate defence from Xavier Coates and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
Momentum swung in Australia’s favor with 20 minutes to play when Harry Grant’s flick pass put Lomax over in the corner for his second try, stretching the lead to 16-6.
However, the Kiwis refused to go quietly, responding through test debutant Will Warbrick, who leapt high to collect a cross-field kick from Johnson and twisted past Lomax to score. Isaako’s conversion attempt drifted wide, still trailing by six with 13 minutes to play.
The Kangaroos sealed the win when Moses broke through and backed up Dylan Edwards to score under the posts.
Meanwhile, the Kiwi Ferns also came up short on the scoreboard in a 14-0 loss to the Jillaroos in their Women's Pacific Cup match in Christchurch.
Despite the result, the Kiwi Ferns delivered a defensive masterclass that kept the game within reach, showcasing the fierce pride and strength that have come to define this team.
From the outset, the Kiwi Ferns fought to control the game, holding a strong 60 percent possession in the early stages.
They pressed the Jillaroos relentlessly, with debutant Alexis Tauaneai and seasoned players like Annessa Biddle stepping up to deny the Australians’ scoring attempts time and again.
Biddle’s determined tackle on Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton, who looked set to break through, epitomized the Kiwi Ferns’ never-say-die spirit.
The Kiwi Ferns’ defensive stand was relentless, with hard-hitting tackles from Amber Hall and Annessa Biddle, who combined with Georgia Hale to clock an incredible 91 tackles between them.
Despite enduring wave after wave of Jillaroos’ attacks, the Kiwi Ferns dug deep, showing courage and endurance to keep the game close until late in the second half.
Fatigue and field position ultimately played a part, with the Kiwi Ferns finding limited time in attacking territory, making it challenging to capitalize on their opportunities.
Yet, even as the game wore on, players like Mele Hufanga pushed forward, running for 91 meters and creating multiple tackle breaks. Their resilience kept the Jillaroos within reach, fighting for every inch and never backing down, right until the final whistle.
The Kiwi Ferns now turn their attention to their upcoming clash against the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in Port Moresby on Saturday, knowing a win will see them back in the Pacific Cup final with a chance to take on the Jillaroos once more.
PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
Kangaroos 22 (Lindsay Collins, Zac Lomax 2, Mitch Moses tries; Zac Lomax 2 con, pen) Kiwis 10 (Jamayne Isaako, Will Warbrick tries; Jamayne Isaako con). HT: 12-6
Jillaroos 14 (Tiani Penitani, Tamika Upton, Jess Sergis tries; Tarryn Aiken con) Kiwi Ferns 0. HT: 4-0