3. Dane Gagai – 5
Got plenty of traffic down his edge, but held his own for the most part, making an impressive 25 tackles. His biggest mistake came when rushing out the line to create space for Bostock to break the line and find Reece Walsh to score.
4. Casey McLean – 8
Could have scored the try of the World Cup with a magical put-down for his ninth try in his fifth test. Made some impressive try-saving tackles, however, he did throw two wayward passes – one that was intercepted and another that went to nobody – which should have resulted in tries to New Zealand.
Casey McLean scores the opening try of the Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Photosport
5. Ronaldo Mulitalo – 6
Played a key role in the Kiwis’ first try, but his highlights were on defence, including a brutal shot on Kotoni Staggs. Claimed 178m with the ball, 50 of them post-contact which was the most of all his backline teammates.
6. Kodi Nikorima – 5
Was very unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty try just before halftime. Had some nice razzle-dazzle but the Kiwis couldn’t make the most of his twinkle toes.
7. Jahrome Hughes – 4
A mixed return to the test arena. Had some great moments with his kicking game, but there were a couple of moments he would love back, including a poor cut-out pass that was intercepted and led to the Kangaroos’ opening try, and an awful last-tackle kick that resulted in the seven-tackle set which led to Australia’s game-winning try.
8. James Fisher-Harris – 7
Set the tone early very strong on both sides of the ball, and came back with the same venom. Will be disappointed not to come away with a win after his effort. Finished the game with 142m with the ball.
9. Jeremy Marshall-King – 5
The Kiwis’ lone specialist hooker was valiant in defence, leading the way with a team-high 40 tackles. Would have been good to see him run the ball more, considering how dominant the Kiwis forwards were at times.
Kiwis hooker Jeremy Marshall-King. Photo / Photosport
10. Moses Leota – 3
An underwhelming performance by Leota’s standards. Was strong in his early stint with some big hits, but couldn’t back it up once he returned, finishing with 76m.
11. Isaiah Papali’i – 8
One of his best games in a Kiwis jersey. Ran some nice lines and was rewarded with two try assists and had six offloads. Was pinged for being offside in a possible Kiwis try which proved to be a big moment. Had 37 tackles without a miss.
12. Briton Nikora – 3
Very little went his way, but he also didn’t excite with his limited opportunities. An uninspiring and flat performance.
13. Joseph Tapine – 5
Helped lay the platform early on, but didn’t back it up when he returned for his second stint on the field.
Interchange
15. Naufahu Whyte – 7
Brought his strong NRL form to the test arena by making an immediate impact. Had an impressive 160m – 70 post-contact – from 13 carries, but had a few wobbles on defence. The calls for him to start will only increase.
Naufahu Whyte. Photo / Photosport
16. Erin Clark – 6
Played a very similar role to what we see at the Warriors and his ball-playing skills were influential and helped change the game. Made 26 tackles without a miss. A start could be brewing before the finals.
17. Xavier Willison – 3
Last year, Willison was a true enforcer in the pack, but he didn’t have that same feistiness that Kiwis fans have come to love. Made a costly second-half error, which didn’t help his cause.
19. Keano Kini – 4
Came on for Ponga for the last 10 minutes and had some nice moments with the ball. Expect him to be back in the No 1 jersey against the Cook Islands.
Interchange players not used: Te Maire Martin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.