The New Zealand Kiwis have defeated the Australian Kangaroos 22-18 in a hard-fought match at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.
Remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, the Kiwis saved their best for the final with a gritty display of classic rugby league. Guided by star half-back Sean Johnson, the Kiwis led at the half and stamped their authority on the match late in the second half to earn their first Four Nations title.
Scoring early from a fumble by fullback Peta Hiku, Australia were off to a perfect start with a try to Michael Jennings. 6-0 after 11 minutes, the superstar centre was gifted the ball 2 metres out and fell over the line.
The New Zealand forwards led by Jesse Bromwich and lock Jason Taumololo were tenderising the Australian pack and providing some excellent ball for the halves.
A loose-ball run from Shaun Kenny-Dowall and quick-ball cut out pass from Johnson, saw Jason Nightingale in the corner and the Kiwis level after 24 minutes.
In one of the tries of the tournament, Johnson danced his way around defenders 10-metres from the line, stepped hard and threw a huge cut-out pass to Manu Vatuvei who scooped the ball up on his toes to score and put the Kiwis ahead 14-6 at the break.
Again the Australian’s had the better start, scoring through Sione Mata’Utia in the 47th minute. Daly Cherry-Evans and Cooper Cronk combined on the right fringe in a lovely wrap around play that saw the rookie winger over in the corner.
In a tournament altering 5 minutes of play, New Zealand crossed twice. Sean Johnson sowed the ball and darted trough the line before standing up Greg Inglis with an in-and-away step to score in the corner.
Manu Vatuvei crossed in his left corner moments later in the 62nd minute, crashing through the startled Kangaroo defence. At 22-12 the Kiwis had established an intimidating lead with 15-minutes to play.
A perfect Sean Johnson kicking game kept the ball in New Zealand’s hands.With several grubbers in goal forced over the back-line by a frustrated Australian defence, the Kiwis were cruising to victory.
Ben Hunt scored for Australia with 4-minutes on the clock and Smith converted from the corner to put them within 4 points, but the Kiwis held out.
A dramatic last ditch play that finished with a Kangaroo try in the corner was pulled back for a forward pass.
New Zealand claiming their first Four Nations trophy and 4th win in 10 cup finals against Australia.
“It was a great fight-back but unfortunately we came up against a great side in New Zealand tonight,” commented Australian captain Cameron Smith.
In a grandstand finish to the league season, all players will now rejoin their clubs for pre-season training. It will be the Kiwis celebrating into the night after a confident win.
