2007 Australia vs New Zealand - First Test:
Australia 30 defeated New Zealand 6.
The ANZAC Test of 2007 won't go down as one of the great test matches. New Zealand, lacking their UK based players and forced to field several rookies, were no match for Australia. But the Kangaroos were far from impressive themselves, with an out of form team that placed over-importance on incumbency.
Australia scored the opening and only try of the first half in the 19th minute when Nathan Hindmarsh ran off a nicely timed Johnathan Thurston short pass to cross from close range. Although New Zealand had their oppotunities, two Australian tries in the second half really sealed their fate. Firstly, six minutes in, Ben Roberts (for some reason deputising at fullback) dropped an innocuous bomb under little pressure, allowing Matt King to regather and score an easy try. Then in the 52nd minute Australia spread the ball wide inside New Zealand's 20, and found space on the fringes for Brent Tate to cross.
New Zealand briefly threatened a late comeback when Simon Mannering put Manu Vatuvei in with a grubber and Benji Marshall converted from touch. However, two tries in the final five minute to Australia - through Karmichael Hunt and Darren Lockyer - quelled any excitement on the Kiwis part.
Australia played better than their form so far in the NRL suggested they would, but still struggled in attack at times, and made their share of errors. New Zealand were disappointing in most facets, but such is the nature of the beast with tests played so early in the season, and with such a short preparation. Treating the match like a State of Origin clash - played on a Wednesday night, and with players missing the previous round of football - would be a great improvement. It would give both sides better preparation, and allow New Zealand to call upon their UK players, with those players only missing one round of football in England. The match, as it stands, is a discredit to the Tri Nations tournament, which illustrates how good the international game can be.
Rookie fullback Krisnan Inu (having played only one first-grade game for Parramatta) was outstanding for the Kiwis - hinting at a big future in the game. Newcastle representative Steve Simpson turned in a solid game off the bench, but was involved in a plenty of niggle, by his standards.