Kiwis sink Aussies in Anzac Day NT rugby clash

NEW Zealand broke Australia’s stranglehold on the NT Rugby Country of Origin title last night at Marrara, proving too strong for the men in gold 37-19

Australian versus New Zealand in the Country of Origin at Rugby Park. Wattsoni Bativou (14) - Nigel Maher (15)

NEW Zealand broke Australia’s stranglehold on the NT Rugby Country of Origin title last night at Marrara, proving too strong for the men in gold 37-19.

The Kiwis led from start to finish in a high quality contest to square the ledger at 2-2 since the Anzac fixture was reintroduced in 2015. New Zealand took a 10-point lead into the break after dominating the first period. Joey Webster struck first for the Kiwis before a Setefano Cakau break from a kick return led to a second try, scored by Jone Vakacegu.

Australia hit the score sheet in the 30th minute through an Adam Hubbard five-pointer, off the back of a rolling maul.

But it was cancelled out in the moments either side of the interval.

Two separate pieces of play from Rawiri Wilson took the Kiwis out to a 17-point lead that broke Australia.

Australian versus New Zealand in the Country of Origin at Rugby Park. Setefano Cakau (15)

After the half time siren had sounded, the fly-half booted a 41 metre penalty goal. But it was a superb solo effort two minutes into the second half that was more impressive. Wilson broke through three would-be Australian defenders, using his speed and footwork to weave his way into the in goal area.

Australia replied with 25 minutes remaining when Bryah Booth got on the end of a backline shift to the right, but New Zealand would close out the game in style.

The best play of the match came from Simaika Salaa, who scored a try that looked unlikely when he received the ball 20 metres from the try line.

With no room to move down the left flank, the Casuarina star stormed his way past a swarm of Aussie defenders, before diving outstretched to plant the ball down just inside the corner post.