The New Zealand rugby league team have suffered another defeat at the hands of Australia, beaten 26-12 in their Four Nations tournament opener in Britain.
The Kiwis trailed the Kangaroos 16-0 at half-time at Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington on Friday, but rallied with two quick tries early in the second stanza to narrow the margin to just four points.
However, they could not hold out Australia who scored soon after, before adding another shortly before fulltime to put the game beyond doubt.
Despite conceding a try in the opening minutes, it was a much improved performance from Stephen Kearney's men.
New Zealand's next game is against Wales at Wembley on 6 November.
Scorers
Australia: Tries: D Boyd, M Scott, J Thurston, A Uate, T Williams; Goals: J Thurston (3).
New Zealand: Tries: K Fai Fai Loa, J Nightingale tries; Goals: B Marshall (2).
Referee: Phil Bentham.
