But after accepting the loss, Isaako has outlined that the Kiwis have collectively drawn a line under what happened against Australia.<\/p>\n
And even with the Cook Islands game to be played in his hometown of Christchurch, the 30-year-old isn\u2019t letting anything distract him in the build-up. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m mainly just focused on the game and preparation this week,\u201d Isaako said. \u201cThat\u2019s the key.<\/p>\n
Jack Bostock scores for Australia after beating Jamayne Isaako in the air. Photo \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201c[I\u2019m] disappointed with the result. I took that pretty personally \u2013 Bostock scoring two tries on me. I want to focus on my job and do my job to the best of my ability. <\/p>\n
\u201cI took the [lessons] from it, there were a couple of things we knew we could be better at. Coming together for a short amount of time and trying to prepare leading into that game, you try to do everything as best you can.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut there were definitely a few [lessons] from that game that we\u2019ll look to rectify and hopefully fix for the Cooks game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isaako is perhaps being harsh on himself there. It was only his boot that got the Kiwis anywhere close to Australia on the night \u2013 after New Zealand were outscored five tries to three \u2013 after a perfect night off the tee that also saw two penalties.<\/p>\n
While it\u2019s rare in the NRL to see kickers point to the posts for a shot at goal from a penalty, the opening round of the World Cup has seen teams take the points on offer.<\/p>\n
Samoa\u2019s Stephen Crichton missed his attempted penalty, albeit in a 78-4 win over France, while Tonga\u2019s 30-12 victory against England saw Isaiya Katoa \u2013 another of Isaako\u2019s Dolphins teammate \u2013 kick four. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you come up against some of the bigger teams, it can be the breaking point of a game,\u201d Isaako explained. \u201cIt\u2019s a crucial point of the game, going up in sixes is something that is really important for any team.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Tonga and England game was pretty close, you could see that whenever Tonga got penalties, they were taking the twos. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps with momentum a little bit, but as the World Cup goes on, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll see a lot of countries take the two.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the only game in this World Cup to be played in New Zealand, Sunday\u2019s clash is all the more special by the fact it\u2019s in Isaako\u2019s hometown. The Kiwis\u2019 training session on Monday morning was held at Aranui, Isaako\u2019s first club. <\/p>\n
Jamayne Isaako (R) in the Kiwis’ haka against Australia. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
And while test appearances for any country are limited in the condensed calendar that the NRL brings, the chance to turn out on home soil in Christchurch\u2019s new One NZ Stadium isn\u2019t lost on the former locals. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nice to be back home. To get to play a World Cup game here is pretty cool. Not too many games are being brought back to New Zealand. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a massive boost being able to play on home soil. Playing in the black jersey is something we don\u2019t take lightly. <\/p>\n
\u201cPlaying most of our football across the ditch, when we get the opportunity to come back here is massive for us.\u201d<\/p>\n