Johnson: Kiwis need to remember feeling of Four Nations hammering

Lewis dislocated his shoulder when sliding for an attempted try on a rain-soaked surface at St Helens and Morris was badly winded in a similar situation after sliding down a slope that runs off behind the goal at Manchester United’s Old Trafford. Actually, it was probably worse than that, because at least the Kiwis of yesteryear played with spirit and heart, regardless of the odds.

Australia has reclaimed the World Champions league title after stunning the Kiwis in the Four Nations Final in Liverpool early this morning.

After losing three straight matches against the Kiwis, Australia under Mal Meninga, has now won the last three by a combined margin of 56-14. Thurston kicked the extras for 34-8 to give the Aussies the second half as well as the first. But history warns against writing off the Kiwis on the big stage.

Australia looked well in control in beating the Kiwis in a warm-up match in Perth and a group game in Coventry.

He said: “They’ve had a disappointing tournament, that’s all”.

Australia dominated the final from the first to the last minute and despite New Zealand finding some position and possession for a twenty minute spell in the second half they were never a challenge for the green and gold.

“We will learn from this and hopefully we will be better for it”.

Trailing 28-0, New Zealand restored some pride with two tries from full-back Jordan Kahu, but coach David Kidwell conceded his team had given themselves too much to do after their disastrous start.

Australian whistleblower Ben Cummins has been named as the referee for the match at Anfield.

“They got out to a lead that was untouchable”. The Kiwis unfurled all their trick shots in a desperate attempt to unsettle the Australians, with a Jordan Rapana break unlucky not to produce points.

The 34-8 win was comprehensive against a New Zealand side that looked to be in complete disarray.

The Kangaroos were nearly faultless, while the Kiwis couldn’t do anything right.

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One player who will have to undergo recovery in the immediate aftermath of the Four Nations is Josh Dugan.

The Kangaroos were rampant, while the Kiwis were nearly constantly on defence.

Meninga stated before the tour departed Australia that he valued good character above all else when he selected his squad with the likes of Semi Radradra, Greg Bird and Andrew Fifita among those overlooked following recent off-field issues. He hasn’t started great, but, just like the players, he needs time.

Kidwell said, 24 hours before kick-off, that he’d only done so because he hadn’t decided who would play stand-off, while Blair and captain Jesse Bromwich said at the time that they were in the dark about the final lineup.