League: Taupau hits Kangaroos hard to turn game way of Kiwis

Martin Taupau. Photo / Getty Images

Fearsome back-rower Martin Taupau reprised his role as the Kiwis' go-to-guy with another match-turning display off the bench in their comprehensive 26-12 Anzac test win over the Kangaroos in Brisbane last night.

As he did in last year's Four Nations final in Wellington, Taupau arrived on the park for the second quarter and helped swing momentum the Kiwis' way with a series of damaging runs and offloads which sparked their second-phase play.

The injection of Taupau - and fellow bench forward Sam Moa - was timely, after starting props Jesse Bromwich and Ben Matulino had laid the platform and absorbed the early onslaught from the Kangaroos' pack.

Their efforts helped inject much needed enthusiasm and energy into the Kiwis' play and it was no coincidence that within minutes they were able to kick ahead from a 6-6 score line and pile on the points for a 26-6 halftime lead.

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With the Kangaroos struggling for fluency and lacking aggression, Taupau's powerful charges and strong right-hand fend kept defenders at bay and allowed him to offload to support runners to kick-start the Kiwis' second-phase attack.

The Kiwis celebrate after winning the Anzac test in Brisbane. Photo / Getty

A second try to left wing Manu Vatuvei soon followed and three minutes later halfback Shaun Johnson crossed for their third four-pointer to make it 18-6, but Taupau was just getting started.

Shortly after, with the Kiwis hot on attack, Taupau was caught in what looked like a crusher tackle from Kangaroos forward Sam Thaiday, before angrily climbing to his feet and directing a throat-slitting gesture at his green and gold rival.

His fiery demeanour spelled the difference between the two sides and typified the Kiwis' firm confidence and belief after their successful end of year campaign and back-to-back wins over Australia.

He finished as the Kiwis' most effective forward, with 135 metres from 12 runs, three tackle busts, two offloads and 13 tackles capping a memorable display.

Following Johnson's successful penalty goal, the Kiwis' big men powered back up-field once more to create the roll-on in the lead-up to centre Shaun Kenny Dowall's try right on halftime when he dotted down after a defensive blunder by Australian fullback Greg Inglis.

The second-half saw the Kiwis produce a terrific defensive effort to quell any chances of a Kangaroos' comeback. But the damage was done during Taupau's explosive 20-minute first half spell, which set the Kiwis on course for their historic three-peat.

Man of the match Manu Vatuvei dives to score a try. Photo / Getty Images