Hugh McGahan: Kiwis play with desire at last

Adam Blair had his best game in two years in the Anzac test. Photo / Getty Images

It's been a while since I saw the Kiwis play with such desire.

The outcome of Friday night's Anzac test may have been familiar - another Australian win - but it wasn't the one-sided blowout many were predicting.

The Kiwis gave a courageous, high-energy performance and the selectors have unearthed talent which justified their picks.

Plenty of desire was shown, not only by the younger players, but also the more experienced ones such as Adam Blair, who had his best game in over two seasons.

The display he gave in his test recall was reminiscent of the form that has made him such a success with the Storm. His energy was infectious, his push in defence led to pressure on the Australian playmakers and his bullocking runs made the hard yards look easy.

It was an outstanding performance among many from a forward pack that was unrelenting. Jesse Bromwich, Sam Moa, Martin Taupau, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris caused the Australians headaches all night.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has not offered that type of effort in the Kiwi jersey for a long time and it was obvious he was not missed. I'm an avid admirer of Jared, and not just because he plays for my old mob, but his efforts with my beloved Roosters and the Kiwis have been miles apart and I will argue that point with anyone.

The furore around his non-selection was way off the mark and contributed to the over-reaction by some renowned former Australian players and coaches after the Kiwi team was named.

Unfortunately for the New Zealand team, the last 15 minutes displayed our inefficiency to hold out and finish off the Australians. Our last play options were poor or the execution of them was worse.

I'm sorry to highlight Shaun Johnson but his time arrived again to guide the side to a win and he failed. It was not for want of trying because he was asking questions all night and, early on, his tactical kicking and passing was spot on. But the time came when the Kiwis needed him to finish off their sets and he was not efficient enough.

I know Johnson was on his own, as Harris was not expected to fill the void, but when Isaac John was thrown into the breach, it was obvious why he has been playing New South Wales Cup - he was out of his depth. I'm sure he was giving 100 per cent but he was ineffectual.

Peter Hiku also did not have a memorable game despite being one of the NRl's form players but the occasion got the better of him, along with other in the backline.

However, I was glad to witness a characteristic this team has been missing of late - belief. To get what we want, we all must show belief at some stage, especially when others don't have it in us.