Rugby League: Score no comfort as Kiwis reflect

By PETER JESSUP

The weather robbed Gary Freeman's new Kiwis of a chance to shine yesterday.

Heavy rain meant little could be taken from their 36-0 win over a committed French side at Ericsson Stadium.

Freeman said the six new caps from the Warriors acquitted themselves well and enhanced their chances of selection for the test against Australia in Wellington next month.

He was happy the visitors were kept scoreless. But the French had lost three first-choice props, and the lack of a forward roll told in the end.

The big positive for the new-look Kiwi side was that the players were less than satisfied.

New centre Clinton Toopi's tight and expression-free face said it all. He had dropped the ball at times and his passing had not always been accurate. He knew he could do better.

The Kiwis will have to if they are to beat the Kangaroos at the Cake Tin on July 13.

The New Zealand Rugby League were not winners yesterday. The crowd of around 5000 was 5000 short of the break-even mark.