League: Kiwis wary of Australian backlash

This New Zealand squad is determined to learn from the mistakes of the past. Photo / Getty Images

The Kiwis may need to overcome a 62-year hoodoo if they are to win the Four Nations tournament.

While there are still many potential permutations, the most likely scenario will see the Kiwis face the Kangaroos in the final in Wellington.

That prospect should make New Zealand fans slightly nervous; putting aside an unofficial Super League test in 1997, the Kiwis haven't beaten the Kangaroos in consecutive test matches since 1953.

After winning the first test 25-5 in Christchurch, the New Zealand side - featuring Des White, Bill Sorensen and Cyril Eastlake - sneaked home 12-11 in the second test in Wellington.

On every occasion since then Kiwis jubilation has been followed by despair, especially in the modern era. Across the last 30 years each New Zealand win has been followed by a defeat - by an average margin of almost 17 points - and often a sustained victory drought.

There are numerous examples. After a famous win at Lang Park in 1987, the Kiwis were soundly beaten in the next encounter, the 1988 World Cup final at Eden Park.

It was worse in 1991. A surprise first test victory in Melbourne was followed by a 44-0 battering, and the Kiwis then went seven years without a transtasman win.

A Clinton Toopi inspired win in 2003 was followed by a 37-10 defeat a year later and New Zealand endured a nine-test drought after the memorable 2005 Tri Nations triumph, including a 50-12 hammering in the subsequent game.

The heartache after the high is a familiar feeling for Stephen Kearney. The gloss of the 2008 World Cup win was quickly sullied by a 38-10 thumping in the next clash, and last Saturday's win broke a four-year run since the last victory.

This New Zealand squad is determined to learn from the mistakes of the past. The celebrations on the field were fairly muted on Saturday night and minutes after the final whistle, Kearney addressed the team, reinforcing the point that this win would count for little without ultimate success.

"It's great to get off to a [good start] but I'm not doing cartwheels," said Kearney. "I'm pretty philosophical in the sense that we got a couple of lucky breaks [and] we are very mindful that it is just the first step."

The players have bought into his message. While there was joy at finally tasting victory, it's been an understated response. The Kiwis are wary of Samoa and England, as well as the wounded Kangaroos.

"This tournament is going to get tougher as it goes on," said captain Simon Mannering. "We don't want to get carried away - it is just one game," said Shaun Johnson.