7 May 2015

Kiwis create more history

12:37 pm on 7 May 2015

The New Zealand rugby league team's win over Australia was significant in more ways than one.

Manu Vatuvei celebrates an Anzac test try

Manu Vatuvei celebrates an Anzac test try Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 26-12 victory in the re-scheduled ANZAC Test in Brisbane was just the second time the Kiwis have won the mid-year encounter in 16 attempts.

Their last ANZAC Test win was over 17 years ago in 1998.

The victory also marked the first time in more than 60 years the Kiwis have beaten the Kangaroos on three consecutive occasions following their two wins over Australia in last year's successful Four Nations campaign.

The Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney says his side's performance was outstanding considering they went from preparing to play in torrential rain to searing heat following the game's postponement.

"It is very satisfying I thought the lads prepared themselves really well all week and it was a really good camp once again. Friday night threw a bit of a spanner in the works but they adjusted themselves really well and got themselves up for what I thought was a wonderful performance."

New Zealand revelled on the dry track to rack up a 26-6 half-time scoreline.

The energy of New Zealand's defence after the break matched their attacking brio in the first half and coach Stephen Kearney says it was his side's effort without the ball that laid the platform for the historic victory.

"The defensive effort throughout the whole game laid the foundation of the victory. They had a number of shots on our tryline and there was always more black jersey's there than green and gold jumpers. They had a fair bit of possession but the guys just kept turning them away and the defence really set the tone for the victory."

Winger Manu Vatuvei scored a brace in the four try win with Shaun Johnson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall also dotting down.