League: Hape takes blame for defeat

Shontayne Hape has shouldered the blame for the Melbourne test defeat, saying his lapse allowed the Kangaroos to rip past the Kiwis.

A knee rather than shoulder was the troubling body part yesterday - Hape has been ruled out of Saturday night's test against Great Britain at Jade Stadium with a ligament strain.

He should be fit for the return in Wellington a fortnight later.

A handful of fans greeted the Kiwis at Christchurch Airport where Hape was confirmed as the only injury problem. Steve Matai, who had a shoulder worry, should be fit.

Right wing Hape, the Bradford back, had a strong game in Melbourne, after taking Tame Tupou's place.

The tall utility powered through the work, frequently swapping with lock Simon Mannering. He also got the Kiwis on the board by smashing past Justin Hodges and Petero Civoniceva in the seventh minute.

But with the Kangaroos facing defeat, Hape allowed his opposite Greg Inglis an outside path and the youngster bolted for a spectacular try.

Minutes later, with Kiwi captain Ruben Wiki in pursuit, centre Mark Gasnier scored the winner.

"I feel terrible. The 17 guys played well for 75 to 80 minutes and I clocked off for a play at the end which gave Australia the chance," said Hape.

"We pride ourselves on being 80 minute athletes ... I was probably in a bit too tight with my centre [Iosia Soliola]. It was the first time we've played together.

"That kid Inglis has got pace and he left me. I let myself down and my team down. I was just praying Brent Webb would make the tackle and cover for me.

"We had the game in the bag and we pretty much lost it for ourselves. They didn't play better than us.

"I'm so disappointed. I was the only Super League player out there and I wanted to prove I could mix it with the best in the NRL."

The Inglis try will long be remembered as a classic which broke Kiwi hearts. It brought up memories of that scored by another Aussie, John Ribot, two decades earlier in front of a Carlaw Park crowd which included Brian McClennan, now Kiwi coach.

Meanwhile, halfback Stacey Jones, whose midfield magic with Webb provided the first of Soliola's two tries, said: "It was a very fast and entertaining game but I guess the public also wants to see a bit of spice sometimes.

"Willie Mason brings that to the game and good on him. And he'll be back - I'm sure our forwards would look forward to that."

* Tri-Nations officials are disappointed that the Sydney-based British squad will arrive in Christchurch only on Thursday for Saturday's test.