Australia 26-12 New Zealand

Australia posted the first victory of the 2011 Gillette Four Nations with a 26-12 win over New Zealand at the Haliwell Jones Stadium on Friday evening.

The Kangaroos led 16-0 at the break, and had to withstand a second-half revival by their opponents.

Australia’s next game is against England in the Wembley double-header next Saturday, while the Kiwis will take on Wales.

Matt Scott had opened the scoring just moments after the kick off, and tries from Tony Williams and Jonathon Thurston gave the Kangaroos a healthy lead.

Kieran Foran sent Jason Nightingale over with a well-aimed kick to open the New Zealand account, and less than ten minutes later the Kiwis crossed again through Kalifa Faifai Loa.

Australia re-asserted themselves with a second try from Thurston, and sealed their win when a Billy Slater kick was touched down by Akuilla Uate.

Australia – 26

T: Scott; Williams; Thurston, 2; Uate
G: Thurston, 3

New Zealand – 12

T: Nightingale; Faifai Loa
G: Marshall, 2

HT: 16-0
Ref: P. Bentham
Att:12,491