The Kiwis fought hard but fell short 22-10 against the Kangaroos in a spirited battle at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium on Sunday. Despite the loss, the home crowd was treated to some thrilling moments, including a brilliant debut from fullback Keano Kini and a relentless display from Shaun Johnson, who looked sharp in his return to the Test arena. The Kiwis will look to regroup ahead of next week’s crucial clash against Tonga, with hopes of earning a rematch against the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final on November 10.

After an early try from Angus Crichton was disallowed, the Kiwis had a golden opportunity to strike first, following a kick out on the full by Kangaroos halfback Mitch Moses. But a mistimed set saw the chance slip away.

It was Australia who opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Lindsay Collins crashed over despite brave efforts from Keano Kini and Phoenix Crossland to halt him. But the Kiwis responded with flair and precision 10 minutes later, thanks to some brilliant ball movement. Johnson found Isaiah Papali’i, whose offload allowed Kini to send Peta Hiku down the sideline. Hiku then flicked a perfect pass to Jamayne Isaako, who dived over in the corner. Isaako’s sideline conversion tied it up 6-6, lifting the crowd’s spirits.

Just before halftime, the Kangaroos struck again through Tom Trbojevic, who burst into space and linked with Zac Lomax. Despite Kini’s best efforts, Lomax muscled his way over, giving Australia a 12-6 lead at the break.

The Kiwis started the second half with intent, pinning Australia deep with Johnson’s precise short kicks. But the Kangaroos held firm, denying Isaako thanks to desperate defense from Xavier Coates and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Momentum swung in Australia’s favor with 20 minutes to play when Harry Grant’s flick pass put Lomax over in the corner for his second try, stretching the lead to 16-6. However, the Kiwis refused to go quietly, responding through Test debutant Will Warbrick, who leapt high to collect a cross-field kick from Johnson and twisted past Lomax to score. Isaako’s conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the score at 16-10 with 13 minutes to play.

The Kangaroos sealed the win when Moses broke through and backed up Dylan Edwards to score under the posts, with Lomax’s conversion bringing the final score to 22-10. Despite the result, the Kiwis’ grit and flair kept the match competitive and gave fans hope for what’s to come.

Match: Kiwis vs Kangaroos
Date: Sunday, October 27
Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

Score:

• Kiwis: 10
• Kangaroos: 22

Match Highlights:

• Keano Kini dazzled on debut, running for 220 metres with five tackle breaks in an inspiring performance.
• Shaun Johnson returned to the Test side with a masterclass in kicking, racking up 683 metres from 24 kicks.
• The Kiwis completed 94% of their first-half sets, finishing with an impressive 86% completion rate overall.
• Will Warbrick marked his first Test with a try, leaping high to outplay Zac Lomax for the score.
• James Fisher-Harris was a workhorse in the middle, playing the first 48 minutes straight with 12 runs and 25 tackles.
• The Kiwi forward pack, led by Fisher-Harris, gave the Kangaroos a fierce challenge, with several bone-crunching hits and determined runs.
• Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was placed on report late in the match, adding to the Kiwis’ frustration on a challenging day.

Although the Kiwis came up short, their resilience and moments of brilliance will give fans hope heading into next week’s showdown with Tonga. With a chance to earn a rematch against the Kangaroos in the final, the team knows the job is far from over. Kiwis supporters will rally behind them, confident that the best is yet to come.