Rugby League: Kiwis win centenary test

7.30pm - By ROBERT LOWE

NEW ZEALAND 30 AUSTRALIA 16


A Clinton Toopi hat-trick helped the Kiwis to a memorable 30-16 victory against Australia in Auckland today in the 100th rugby league test between the two countries.

The New Zealand Warrior centre completed his treble with 10 minutes to go to pull New Zealand clear and club team-mate Vinnie Anderson's second try with two minutes to go sealed the win.

The result went some way to wiping the memory of Australia's 48-6 win in Sydney three months ago.

It also continued the Kiwis' good record at North Harbour Stadium, where they now have a 3-1 advantage over the Kangaroos.

New Zealand needed to come back twice for the victory.

Australia had opened the scoring after just six minutes. The ball went wide to winger Matt Sing, and when he passed infield there was too much support for the defence to stop halfback Brett Kimmorley going over.

Craig Fitzgibbon goaled and the Kingaroos went further ahead eight minutes later, with Kimmorley and fullback Darren Lockyer putting second rower Steve Simpson over.

At 10-0, it looked like the Australians might run away with the game. Their defence was more organised while the New Zealanders were let down by mistakes while in possession.

Teenage halfback Thomas Leuluai, who started on the bench, was introduced midway through the first half and his first touch of the ball proved to be the start of a Kiwi comeback.

The 18-year-old was hit high by Kimmorley on the Australian 20m line and from the subsequent penalty fellow test debutant Anderson crossed.

The Kiwis' third new cap, Sione Faumuina, was given the kicking duties and his first shot at goal in test football hit the post from an angle.

The New Zealanders began to lift and they scored again after 29 minutes. Leuluai had the confidence to take the ball to the line and drawing the defence, allowing second rower Joe Galuvao to float a pass out to unmarked winger Henry Fa'afili, who crossed.

This time, Faumuina goaled to tied the scores.

Five minutes later, the home crowd erupted again after the Australians were hammering at the Kiwi line.

A Lockyer pass was intercepted by winger Francis Meli who broke downfield. Toopi was rewarded with his support play with the Kiwis' third try, which gave his side a 14-10 halftime lead.

The second half began with some end to end football, before the Kangaroos began to dominate field position.

Australia went back in front in the 53rd minute when the New Zealand defence was unable to tidy up a Lockyer grubber and prop Shane Webcke was on hand to force the ball down for a try converted by Fitzgibbon.

The Kangaroos continued to press, but mistakes and staunch Kiwi defence kept them out and the home side score against the run of play with 13 minutes to go.

Galuvao, who had a strong game, made a big break and quick Kiwi hands sent Toopi over.

With the Kiwis throwing the ball around, the centre was across again three minutes late. Faumuina converted both tries to pull the Kiwis 10 points ahead, and it was left to Anderson to add the icing to the cake.

New Zealand 30 (Clinton Toopi 3, Vinnie Anderson, Henry Fa'afili tries; Sione Faumuina 3 goals)

Australia 16 (Brett Kimmorley, Steve Simpson, Shane Webcke tries. Craig Fitzgibbon 2 goals)


- NZPA