Rugby League: Champs rout Kiwis in final quarter

HERALD ONLINE STAFF


The Kiwis went down 12-40 to Australia in the rugby league world championship final at Old Trafford, Manchester, this morning (NZ time).

The New Zealanders put up a heroic performance in the first spell. The crowd favourites absorbed attack after attack and were down by only 0-6 (a converted Matt Gidley try) at the changeover.

The hand of Stephen Kearney under the ball had prevented a Wendell Sailor try, but the man of the match was not to be denied. He scored twice in the last quarter to extinguish any remaining Kiwi hopes.

The Kangaroos ran rampant towards the end, giving a slightly unfair look to the final score.

Little was seen of Aussie captain Brad Fittler for much of the game, but when he did take on the defence late in the game it was to slice through for a neat try.

Kearney had a big game for the Kiwis, especially in the first half.

Nathan Hindmarsh crossed shortly after the changeover to put the Kangaroos ahead 12-0. Lesley Vainikolo dived across for a try after the ball bobbled off Aussie fullback Darren Lockyer. Henry Paul converted to put the Kiwis right back in the game.

Brett Kimmorley crossed for the Australians, then Tonie Carroll barrelled over out wide. Paul converted to close it up again.

However, that was the beginning of the end for the Kiwis. The Aussies started to play with confidence and flair, and ran in four more tries to Sailor (2), Fittler and Trent Barrett.

Mat Rogers brought his kicking boots to Old Trafford and, in front of a record 44,000 crowd, converted six of the tries.

The Kangaroos were always favourites at the New Zealand TAB, and closed at $1.40 for the win.

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