The Kangaroos got the best of the Kiwis in the second week of the Pacific Championships, getting revenge for last year’s finals defeat. But while Australia are now guaranteed a spot in the 2024 final, Mal Meninga could have some selection decisions to make. As for New Zealand, a rising star had a debut to remember amid a potential spine shake-up after Stacey Jones’ outfit lacked potency in attack.
Read below for the big talking points out of Australia and New Zealand’s Sunday night clash! Watch every game of the 2024 Pacific Championships with expert analysis LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > KIWIS’ STIFLED ATTACK New Zealand had all the ball and all the territory early against Australia on Sunday but they couldn’t convert it into points. Veteran halfback Shaun Johnson - who came out of retirement for this series - was solid but Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad isn’t’ a natural No.
6 and it showed. “Charnze hasn’t played for seven weeks,” Kiwis coach Stacey Jones said. “I thought he defended soundly.
Again it’s just looking for that improvement and Charnze will be better for the run.” Dolphins playmaker Kodi Nikorima eventually came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of the game but it was too little, too late. “They did lack something, the Kiwis, with the ball, they lacked a bit of shape,” Greg Alexander said.
“Do they play Nikorima at five-eighth? Nikorima had a great season this year with the .