Rugby League: Kiwis betrayed by terrible last quarter

By PETER JESSUP

It could have been better, it could have been worse in Wellington.

The Kiwis let an opportunity slip when they dropped the ball too many times, faded in the latter stages as Kiwi teams have been wont to do against Australia and let a 61-minute lead slip to a 32-24 defeat.

They could not score a single point in a second half dominated by an Australian team who were more precise, enthusiastic and determined. But there was a lot the New Zealanders could take from the game and a heap they will have learned for the tour to England.

The newcomers had solid games. Matt Utai and his thighs look like they will be around a while. Likewise Paul Rauhihi, who stood up at prop. Lance Hohaia also impressed but Motu Tony should have been given more than the last 10 minutes.

Coach Gary Freeman dug himself into a hole with the interchange, using too many too early. The Australians came home with big impact from bench players Steve Menzies and Craig Wing.

But Freeman has made a big improvement from his first time around, when it was 28-10 at the same venue in July last year.

The Kiwis were out of that game after eight minutes, held up, unable to score after repeat sets of six and the Australians replying immediately.

This time they held on for 61 minutes. Freeman gave them a plan - they did it for that time, but were not allowed to execute it to the end.

Professionalism still tells and the number of Australians with superior numbers of NRL games was what cost the Kiwis in the run home.

Errors were forced as the Kiwis were overtaken, got frustrated and tried to play fling-it-around catch-up.

There is enough to work on for Freeman to be able to take the squad undefeated through England, Wales and France, though he has not been so bold as to suggest that as a goal.

Among the other positives for New Zealand league was his control afterwards - no sign of the scrappy person he could sometimes be.

He complimented his players, but was clearly miffed they had botched it after being up 18-6 midway through the first half.

Kangaroo coach Chris Anderson agreed the gap had closed: "I think we know how to win and that's the difference."

Bulldogs wing Utai may not make the tour. He flew back to Sydney last night to have an ankle injury he carried into the test examined by the Bulldogs club doctor. Surgery is a prospect.

He was unaffected during the build-up and the test and may tour - a decision on that and a possible replacement will come today.

There were no other injuries and the squad of 23 - excluding Utai - fly out late tonight.

Ali Lauiti'iti will miss the first game against Hull on October 23 after being put on report for a high shot on Brent Tate.