Richie Barnett: Aussies win whinging comp after clash

Greg Bird, Greg Inglis, Sam Thaiday and Cameron Smith of Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Finally, Australia have had a taste of what New Zealand goes through every year and they don't seem to like it.

It's been interesting to see the reaction across the Tasman this week to the Kiwis' impressive win in the opening Four Nations game. There have been constant references to the fact they were missing 11 players - and, yes, many are great players - but it's not like we had a full-strength team, either. And they still had the likes of Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Greg Bird. I'm hoping it's the start of a momentum shift in international league.

Australia will always have the opportunity to select an awesome side for every test and are likely to be the world's No1 side for some time yet.

It's more about New Zealand winning more often than once in a while. The players need to have the mindset that they don't want to be second-best, that they want to be winners and that's not always easy.

Australia are coming towards the end of an era. Within their side are players who are or will be considered greats of the game - Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Inglis and Cronk. Even Matt Scott has been the cornerstone of the side up front.

They can't go on forever and will be difficult to replace because the combinations they have formed over time have been incredible.

That's one thing that's improving in the Kiwis' environment. Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran have now played together for three years and, along with hooker Issac Luke, form a pretty solid spine.

Their experience will be invaluable in leading the side over the next few years and the different skills of all three are exciting. On top of that, guys such as Jesse Bromwich, Kevin Proctor and Tohu Harris have learned in the Melbourne environment what it takes to win games and play for 80 minutes. Add in Adam Blair, who is desperate to play for his country, and it's a good mix.

Johnson is critical in my eyes. We all know he can produce the big play but, as selectors, we're more interested in him doing the right thing at the right time to control a match.

In the past, he could follow up a good run with a poor short kick or ad-lib football that wasn't productive for the side.

From what I've seen, the Kiwis camp still have their feet on the ground. They're saying the right things, like they haven't achieved anything yet, but they also have to believe it.

I still think Australia are favourites for the Four Nations, although England will push them a lot harder this weekend than most are expecting.

The Kiwis still need to improve, especially around their decision making on defence when under pressure.

The way the game is played, momentum can change very quickly off the back of dropped possession and it's then when players are tested mentally.

I think the attack will largely look after itself with the Kiwis, and I liked the way they played attacking football last weekend in the attempt to tire Australia, meaning the onus is on defence.

We can only hope the Kiwis aren't getting ahead of themselves as they prepare to face a physical Samoan side tomorrow because the job is by no means finished yet.