The Stacey Jones era has kicked off with a defeat but all is not lost for the Kiwis in their hopes of defending the Pacific Rugby League Cup Championships.
With a four tries to two victory, Australia’s Kangaroos beat the Kiwis 22-10 in front of a sold out crowd, who broke into multiple Kiwis chants, in Christchurch yesterday.
Shaun Johnson, who handled the bulk of the general play kicking responsibilities, was more than satisfactory for a bloke who retired two months ago.
Playing their first match since last year’s famous 30-0 Pacific Championships final victory over the Kangaroos in Hamilton, the Kiwis attack didn’t always flow, but with a number of new faces, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad filling in the halves, that was to be expected to an extent.
Jones has also found two long-term Kiwis in fullback Keano Kini and prop Naufahu Whyte, who were both on debut - the latter switching into the starting side late.
[Source : stuff.co.nz]
