Kangaroos storm home with victory in Melbourne

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Australia (M) v New Zealand (M)

A brace of tries to Lindsay Collins has seen the Kangaroos prevail 36-18 over the Kiwis at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.

Claiming their eighth win from nine tests against New Zealand since Mal Meninga took charge in 2016, the Australians were forced to go the distance before posting two late scores to assert their authority on the scoreboard.

Gaining the early ascendancy after the Kiwis put the kick-off out on the full, the Kangaroos opened the scoring with James Tedesco threading through a grubber to allow Valentine Holmes (8th minute) to cross for his 20th try in as many tests.

Responding off the back of several powerhouse runs from captain James Fisher-Harris, New Zealand second-rower Briton Nikora (18th minute) pounced on a grubber kick by Jahrome Hughes to level the scores at 6-all.

Interchange forward Collins (21st minute) found himself in the right place at the right time to score with his first involvement, while the Kiwis were left to rue a missed opportunity when Jamayne Isaako leapt over the try line only to ground the ball on the touchline.

The Kangaroos heaped further pain on the Kiwis with Collins (30th minute) running onto a beautiful dummy half pass from Harry Grant for his second, however the visitors struck back just before the break with Ronaldo Mulitalo (38th minute) leaping above Daly Cherry-Evans for an 18-12 halftime scoreline.

Regaining a double digit lead early in the second half after a left side shift on the last tackle allowed Dylan Edwards (50th minute) to score his maiden test try, a penalty goal to Holmes put the Kangaroos beyond two converted tries.

A powerful charge from Fisher-Harris close to the posts allowed Fa'amanu Brown (70th minute) to burrow over for a trademark try to set up a close finish.

The Kangaroos sealed the result with Ben Hunt (78th minute) diving over before Cameron Murray (80th minute) burst into space to equal the long-standing record held by Ron Coote with tries in six consecutive test matches.

Next week, Australia will face New Zealand in the final of the Pacific Championships to be played in Hamilton on Saturday afternoon.