Graham Lowe: The test is back in test match

Last night's second Tri-Nations test was similar to last week's, with a 10-minute period in the second half when the Kiwis took the foot off the accelerator.

It was particularly noticeable when Ruben Wiki wasn't on the field.

And we all know that given half a chance, the Australians will take such an opportunity with two hands and make the opposition pay.

In this case it was three tries within the space of a few minutes which didn't end the Kiwis' chances, but certainly made their task of getting back into the game that much tougher.

They lost their way and stood back and watched as the Aussies made all the running.

Australia also reminded us that standing deep in attack is hard to defend against and it ultimately cost the Kiwis the game.

When the Kiwis started to fight back they probably didn't deliver tries they could have because they weren't deep enough.

Former Kiwis meeting today - half probably hobbling in with knees showing effects of playing for their country 30 or 40 years ago - will be disappointed with the loss but proud of the effort.

It is always dangerous to knock champions, especially Australia, but the Kiwis showed respect.

One of the many positives to come from the match was that the Kiwis finished strongly and to get within two points after that flat period in the second spell was a credit to their fighting qualities.

An early Christmas present would be keeping Wiki on the field all the time, because he's the key to winning or losing.

He's an old warhorse but a champion and the Australians certainly made the most of his absence during the test.

And the good thing about the Tri-Nations this year is that the Kiwis have reintroduced the test into test match football.