The rugby league world cup doesn't lack credibility says Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, despite his side's 30 to six defeat by overwhelming favourites Australia in Sydney last night.
New Zealand and England were expected to be the Kangaroos only real threat at the tournament but after last night's result and England struggling to get past Papua New Guinea, Australia's continued reign as world champions looks assured.
But Kearney doesn't believe the tournament's a one horse race saying the Kiwis were far from giving up and were now focusing on their match against Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
He says the Kiwis simply gave up too much possession and incurred too many penalties to put Australia under pressure although he was pleased with the efforts of some of the side's younger forwards, especially props Sam Rapira and Adam Blair and backrower Sika Manu who scored New Zealand's only try.
