New Zealand perform the Haka prior to the start of the International Rugby League Test Series match between England and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.
New Zealand perform the Haka prior to the start of the International Rugby League Test Series match between England and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.
Herald rugby league reporter Michael Burgess looks at three things we learned from the Kiwis 9-2 win over England this morning.
1. Heroic Harris
Tohu Harris tends to fly under the radar in this Kiwis team. It's partly because of his unassuming personality - he is one of the quietestin the squad - and also because of the presence of bigger names in the pack. But Harris was immense today, playing the full 80 minutes on both edges and relentless on attack and defence. And he came up with a remarkable play to set up the Kiwis only try, showing the handling of a slips fielder to catch grass-cutting pass from Kodi Nikorima, before flicking it on to Shaun Kenny-Dowall. He was even singled out for special praise by Stephen Kearney in the press conference, which rarely happens with the New Zealand coach
2. Kiwis bench comes up trumps
After being dominated last week, the New Zealand bench made a big impact today. Martin Taupau looked like he had a point to prove from his first touch, and Lewis Brown and Alex Glenn added plenty of energy around the ruck. Brown's role was also vital as he gave Issac Luke an extended rest, which contributed to the Kiwi's co-captain having a much better game this week. And Ben Matulino was significantly improved after a below par effort last week.
This game was dominated by defence - with only one try - and not ideal from a marketing point of view, in terms of selling the game to a London audience. But it was a riveting, dramatic spectacle with courageous defence from both sides. England's effort out of possession was something to behold - as the Kiwis forced 14 repeat sets - while some of the last ditch tackles from both teams were outstanding. Among many efforts, Lewis Brown's stop on Tom Burgess towards the end of the first half a standout.
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