Kangaroos win thriller against Kiwis

The Kangaroos have levelled the Rugby League tri-nations with a thrilling two-point victory, 28-26, against the Kiwis tonight at Ericsson Stadium.

Courtesy of a strong breeze as well as a committed defence, New Zealand led 16-8 at half time.

A confident Australia outfit with the breeze at it’s back walked onto the park in the second half with a strong intention to clinch victory.

Australia opened the scoring in the first half with a Darren Lockyer try, courtesy of Matt Cooper who remained calm under Johns’ high-ball to offload to Lockyer who slid over in the corner.

An Anthony Minichiello error of the Kiwi kick-off allowed playmaker Stacey Jones to offload a basketball-style pass to Jake Webster who dived over unmarked to level the scores at 4-all in the 16th minute.

Another superb play in the 27th minute saw veteran Jones deliver to Brent Webb who set up Nigel Vagana for a miraculous try in the corner which sent the New Zealand crowd into a frenzy.

Four minutes later Kangaroo Mark Gasiner was caught offside gifting Jones a penalty right in front of goal.

With Australia trailing by 6 points, Minichiello managed to make space for Cooper who went over in the corner to cut the deficit back to two points.

An outstanding break from Kiwi fullback Webb allowed New Zealand into Australia’s 20 metre area. From the play-of-the-ball Jones gave it off to David Kidwell who in-turn sent Motu Tony barging over for a four-pointer, prompting the first conversion of the night sending the Kiwis into half-time with a eight-point lead.

Shortly after the break Gasnier showed brilliant acceleration to go over in the corner and cut the margin back to four points.

Three minutes later, a skilful inside ball from Kangaroos fullback Minichiello allowed Lockyer to cross the line, and once Craig Fitzgibbon added the extras Australia had the hit the front 18-16.

At the 49th minute mark, man-of-the-match Lockyer decided to send the ball to the short side finding Minichiello who gave to Cooper who showed some dash to extend Australia’s lead to eight points.

Just when Australia looked to be in control of the game, the Kiwis hit back with a controversial try to Webster in which the referee failed to pick up a forward pass cutting the deficit back to only four points.

With the Kiwis gathering momentum Australia put the game out of reach when Ben Kennedy sent a speedy Minichiello over to cap off a great game in the 68th minute.

Minutes later, Minichiello was over again but the try was disallowed, courtesy of one of the worst video umpire decisions in Tri-nations history.

A consolation try to an intelligent David Faiumu for the Kiwis in the 77th minute proved to be a case of too little, too late.

Next week sees Australia have the week off with the Kiwis going head to head with Great Britain early next Sunday morning, and the week after the Kangaroos face off against the Brits on Sunday 6th November.

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