Kiwis not finished yet - Jones

Former New Zealand captain Stacey Jones believes the Kiwis can regroup after the weekend's 32-12 loss to Australia, provided they hold on to the ball.

Jones, who retired from international rugby league last month, said the formula was simple for the underdog Kiwis.

"I think it's not too hard to work out that they've probably just got to hold the ball," the NZ Warriors halfback said.

"The Australians held the ball and got their kicks away. If the Kiwis can do that then they'll be right in the game like they were at Albany."

The opening Test of the series between the Kiwis and Kangaroos resulted in a 16-all draw at North Harbour Stadium at Albany, Auckland, on October 16.

"I know when you put on that black jersey that you give yourself every chance and you go out there to win, and that's what the team will be doing," said Jones, a veteran of 34 Tests.

"It was a little bit disappointing on the weekend but I'm sure they'll regroup and bounce back from it."

After trailing 12-8 at halftime in the London match, Australia scored four unanswered second half tries as New Zealand's handling errors told in dire weather conditions.

Jones said the Kiwis would benefit from their week off before facing Great Britain on November 6. Australia plays Britain in Manchester on Sunday morning.

"The way the Kiwis play is just throw your body into everything so a week off will be good for them, and then they'll take on Great Britain," Jones said.

Jones - who cited poor form as the reason for pulling out of the trans-Tasman Test in April - watched the first two Tri Nations matches on television.

"When the guys are playing you always wish you were playing. It is a little bit strange but my efforts are all here (with the Warriors) at the moment," he said.

The Warriors start their pre-season training this week after finishing second last on the NRL ladder in 2004.

Jones said the players were concentrating on the pre-season and settling into a routine with new coaching and playing staff.

"I think everyone's trying to just bury last year and just look forward to this year, don't bring up last year at all," added Jones, who was focusing on "getting my body into shape".

"I'm not going to look too far down the track but obviously I want to have a lot better season than this year."