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Live sport on SN this weekend‘All over them’: Kiwis left frustrated after two-point loss
Sport Nation • October 16th, 2026 2:35 pm
Isaiah Papali'i of New Zealand tackles Tom Trbojevic of Australia | Photo: David Neilson/Photosport
New Zealand held more possession and had a higher completion rate, but a pair of intercept tries and Australia’s late action proved decisive as the Kangaroos edged the Kiwis 24-22 in Thursday’s Rugby League World Cup opener.
Casey McLean opened the scoring for the Kiwis, however Australia hit back through Jack Bostock, who intercepted a Jahrome Hughes pass to score a full field try.
Tom Trbojevic then bolted through a pass from McLean for another long-range try, putting the Kangaroos in front before half-time.
The second half went tit for tat, before Bostock’s third try - four minutes from full-time that gave Australia the edge they needed to secure a win.
Kiwis second rower Isaiah Papali'i said the narrow defeat was frustrating as they knew full well they were the better team, but just not when it came down to the scoreboard.
“Being out there definitely felt like we were on top of them, but I think just the final passes kind of stung us and they obviously capitalised on those moments,” he told Sport Nation Afternoons as the side now looks ahead to facing the Cook Islands in Christchurch next Sunday.
“It's like a little decision thing where they capitalise on and we'll definitely learn from it.”
Papali’i said the team remained positive about its performance and approach for the remainder of the competition.
“I think the boys were pretty calm because we kind of had the same feeling where we're all over them not only that first quarter but I felt like the whole game.
“We've still got review to do this arvo but I'm pretty certain that the camp feels positive about how we played and how we went about our game plan.”
Listen to the full interview below:
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