Aussies wave away boo hoo

A pitch invader is tackled by security during the New Zealand Kiwis v Australia Kangaroos. Photo / Richard Robinson

Australians have dealt with the New Zealand boos of their national anthem and the bottle throwing antics of last week at Eden Park in a way they might dispatch a blowfly - casual and cursory.

Not one of a dozen people asked about the incidents by the Herald on Sunday yesterday on the streets of Brisbane suggested retaliation was the answer.

The expectation was more that the Kangaroos would win the Four Nations final against the Kiwis, and after that ... who cares?

A theme running through the chats was that petty gestures on the part of Kiwi crowds were almost expected.

Said barber Paul DeLuca: "I'm not that bothered, I'm sure it won't happen this week.

"Seeing you Kiwis are going to lose, do you want me to write your story," he added.

Taxi driver Mick was also unfazed: "That anthem stuff doesn't worry me; they can do what they like ... until it comes to throwing bottles and potentially injuring someone."

The Caxton Hotel, near Suncorp, wasn't expecting backlash because much had been made of the "two wrongs don't make a right" message during the week, including pleas from Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens. "Boo the players by all means but don't boo the anthem."