Jamayne Isaako of New Zealand gets a try during the Pacific Championships Cup Grand Final New Zealand v Australia. Hamilton, New Zealand, 4 November 2023. Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
The Kiwis have beaten world champions Australia 30-0 to win rugby league's Pacific Championship in Hamilton in what was a record margin over their rivals.
New Zealand were beaten 36-18 in Melbourne last weekend, but engineered a complete turn-around over the Kangaroos scoring five tries.
Going into the game the Kiwis had won just eight of their 43 games against Australia since 2000.
The Kiwis led the Kangaroos 12-nil at half-time thanks to a try apiece to Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jamayne Isaako, who converted both.
Isaako then scored his second try after the break with a stunning dive in the corner.
Matthew Timoko then crossed the line for the Kiwis, before 22-year-old prop Griffin Neame added another try.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was named the player of the match and Isaako contributed in a big way, kicking five goals on top of his two tries.
