Kangaroos focused on Pacific Cup final after defeating Kiwis

Australia avenged last year’s Pacific Cup loss by defeating New Zealand 22-10 in Christchurch on Sunday, but Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo says the job is not done yet.

“The end goal is the championship in two weeks’ time,” Yeo said after the game.

“We spoke at the start of our camp two weeks ago that when you put this jersey on there’s an expectation to win.

“But on the back of that there’s a process in the way we prepare.

“I feel like we’ve done that really well over the last two weeks.

“It was nice to get one back on them for sure, but the ultimate goal is in two weeks’ time.”

Rugby league betting sites had the Kangaroos slated as strong favourites to defeat the Kiwis, who upset them 30-0 in last year’s Pacific Cup final.

They lived up to the tag, outscoring New Zealand two tries to one in both halves in a tight, physical affair.

Lindsay Collins opened Australia’s account in the 15th minute, after Angus Crichton inexplicably dropped a simple put-down over the line just four minutes in.

Jamayne Isaako levelled the match when he crossed midway through the first half, but winger Zac Lomax bagged the first of his two to put Australia ahead at the break.

Another for Lomax just before the hour mark extended the Kangaroos’ lead, and while Will Warbrick closed the gap for the Kiwis soon after, Mitchell Moses dotted down in the final 10 minutes to put the result beyond doubt.

Yeo believes that if the Aussies do face New Zealand again in the Pacific Cup final in a fortnight’s time, they will have a much stiffer challenge on their hands.

“I certainly think New Zealand will be 100 times better (next week) — there would be blokes in there that haven’t played for four or five weeks,” he said.

“Then whoever wins next week will be a better side again.

“So will we, I feel like our best football is still in front of us which is exciting.”

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga agreed with his captain, emphasising the Kiwis’ room for improvement.

“There’s much improvement in that team, honestly,” he said.

“They’ve got to play Tonga next week and they’ll be a lot fitter and more cohesive as a unit.

“I’m just happy we’ve made the final, so we’ll sit back next week and watch what will be a pretty physical game.”

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