New Zealand dominate to win first mid-season test since 1998

In front of 32,681 fans, New Zealand have recorded a dominant 26-12 win over Australia at Suncorp Stadium, to record their first mid-season win in 17 years.

Having been postponed following torrential rain on Friday night, the ANZAC test provided the Kiwis with an opportunity to record three consecutive wins over their Trans-Tasman rivals since 1953.

Having defeated Australia twice in last year's Four Nations, the Kiwis looked to establish an early lead with Shaun Johnson taking an early penalty to open the scoring.

For many Australians, the height of the match occurred in the 12th minute when Sam Thaiday burrowed under Roger Tuivasa-Scheck to score the first try of the match. With Johnathan Thurston converting the Kangaroos appeared to be in control, but it proved to be a minor inconvenience in an otherwise flawless opening half for the Kiwis.

A double to Manu Vatuvei in the left corner helped New Zealand take the lead before reigning Golden Boot winner Shaun Johnson produced tremendous footwork to bamboozle three Australian defenders to help the Kiwis establish an 18-6 lead.

Just before halftime, Johnson added a second penalty goal from close range before a late attacking raid saw Shaun Kenny-Dowall pounce on an error from Greg Inglis to extend the lead to 20 at halftime.

Much of the second half was played inside the New Zealand attacking zone, with the Kangaroos dominating possession, but unable to capitalise courtesy of tremendous goal-line defence from the Kiwis.

The Kangaroo's threatened to make a comeback following a try to debutant Will Chambers with 20 minutes remaining, but a series of poor last tackle options ultimately cost the Australians.

The Kiwis looked to score two late tries courtesy of some terrific skills displayed by Shaun Johnson, but in the end it failed to impact on the final result, with New Zealand running out 26-12 victors.

For the Kiwis, Martin Taupau led the way with a dominant first half performance, which laid the platform for halfback Shaun Johnson to produce the points needed.

For the Australians, debutants Josh Dugan, Will Chambers, Alex Johnston and Trent Merrin were solid, but following a series of convincing losses in the past 12 months, serious questions will be raised concerning the representative futures of a number of experienced campaigners.

Manu Vatuvei was awarded the Charles Savory Medal as best on ground by the Australian and New Zealand selectors, while Martin Taupau was declared Player of the Match by the League Unlimited.com commentary team.

Australia will play their next test match in 2016, while New Zealand will travel to England in November for the chance to claim the number one world ranking in a three test series.

Match Details

Australia Kangaroos 12 New Zealand Kiwis 26
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Crowd: 32681
Halftime Score: Australia Kangaroos 6 New Zealand Kiwis 26

AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS (12)
Tries: Sam Thaiday, Will Chambers
Conversions: Johnathan Thurston (2/2)

NEW ZEALAND KIWIS (26)
Tries: Shaun Johnson, Manu Vatuvei (2), Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Conversions: Shaun Johnson (3/4)
Penalty Goals: Shaun Johnson (2/2)

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:

3 points - Martin Taupau
2 points - Manu Vatuvei
1 point - Shaun Johnson

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Welcome to League Unlimited's coverage of the ANZAC Test match between Australia and New Zealand from Suncorp Stadium.

After being rained out on Friday night, both teams will finally get their chance to play in the first daytime Trans-Tasman Test since 2011.

Both sides come into the match 1-17.

Josh Dugan, Will Chambers, Alex Johnston and Trent Merrin will make their debuts for Australia.

New Zealand have won the past two encounters including the 2014 Four Nations Final, but Australia hold a tremendous record in mid-season test dating back to 1998.

Kick-off only minutes away, as we have the anthems and Haka.

Issac Luke leads the Haka.

Issac Luke kicks off and Greg Inglis takes the first run.

Matt Scott brings the ball up to the 40 metre line.

1: Cooper Cronk bombs but Roger Tuivasa-Scheck is able to catch it cleanly.

1: Jesse Bromwich takes the ball over halfway as Shaun Johnson bombs.

2: Josh Dugan takes his first run in the Green and Gold, followed up by fellow debutant Will Chambers.

2: Penalty to Australia on halfway.

3: Josh Dugan tacked short of the New Zealand line.

3: Greg Bird tries to offload but Jason Nightingale cleans up for the Kiwis.

5: Good defence from Peta Hiku prevents Will Chambers from finding some space.

5: Penalty to New Zealand. Australia inside the 10 metres.

6: Shaun Kenny-Dowall makes a good run and earns a penalty right in front of the posts.

6: Shaun Johnson will attempt the penalty to give the Kiwis first points.

7: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Penalty goal attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
From right in front, Johnson converts. Kiwis 2-0.

8: Kieran Foran takes a run and is hammered by Aaron Woods.

9: Johnson bombs and Alex Johnston catches the ball on debut.

9: Aaron Woods draws a penalty on halfway. Simon Mannering held on too long.

10: Will Chambers is taken by Peta Hiku following a sweep play to the right.

11: Cooper Cronk is smashed on the last but is able to earn a line drop out.

12: Good run from Matt Scott takes the Cowboys front rower over the 40 metre line.

12: TRY AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS
Scored by Sam Thaiday. Kick to come.
Scoring his 2nd try for the Kangaroos, Thaiday crosses for the first try.

14: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS
Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
Thurston converts and Australia lead 6-2.

15: Australia look to go left but Kevin Proctor is able to shut down the Australian attack.

15: Fresh on the field, Sam Moa hammers Cooper Cronk as he kicks.

16: New Zealand kick the ball dead, giving the Kangaroos a 20 metre restart.

17: Great ball from Thurston to Johnston who finds some space.

17: Chambers grubbers behind Manu Vatuvei who is trapped in goal by Josh Dugan.

18: First interchange for Australia, Nate Myles takes a run.

18: Jason Nightingale intercepts Inglis' pass, but the Dragons winger can't make any ground.

19: Shaun Johnson earns New Zealand another set after Thurston plays at the Kiwis #7 kick.

20: Manu Vatuvei looks to have scored, but there is doubt over whether he put his arm into touch.

21: TRY NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Scored by Manu Vatuvei. Kick to come.
The most prolific try scorer in New Zealand rugby league history crosses again.

21: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson unsuccessful.
From the touchline, Johnson kicks it left. Scores 6-all.

22: Martin Taupau and James Tamou on to provide some impact off the benches.

22: Alex Johnston is able to clean up Johnson's bomb which is followed by a great fend from Greg Inglis.

24: Issac Luke loses the ball trying to pass to Tohu Harris.

24: Luke has been replaced by Thomas Leuluai, this change may prove to be a pivotal move in the outcome of the match.

25: Great pass from Cooper Cronk to Sam Thaiday results in an injury to Peta Hiku.

25: Thurston's cross field kick results in a line dropout after targeting Peta Hiku.

26: Decision has been overturned, Australia ruled to knock it dead.

27: TRY NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Scored by Manu Vatuvei. Kick to come.
Following a bomb from Shaun Johnson, Peta Hiku offloads to Vatuvei, who scores his second.

28: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
From the sideline, Johnson makes amends for his earlier miss to take the lead to 12-6.

30: Vatuvei makes a good run which puts the Kiwis on the attack as they earn another penalty.

30: New Zealand are looking strong.

31: TRY NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Scored by Shaun Johnson. Kick to come.
With footwork and speed, Johnson scores. New Zealand are on fire.

32: Issac Luke is back on for New Zealand.

32: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
From close to the posts, the Kiwis are building a great platform.

33: Shaun Johnson bombs but Inglis is able to take the ball cleanly.

33: Luke Lewis and Matt Scott are coming on as the Kangaroos receive a penalty.

35: Cooper Cronk drops the ball with no real pressure put on the #7.

35: New Zealand get another penalty. They'll start another set inside the Australian 20.

37: Another penalty to New Zealand. Johnson elects to extend the lead to 14.

38: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Penalty goal attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Johnson puts another two points on the board. Kiwis 20-6 only minutes out from the break.

39: Vatuvei offloads for Hiku but ends up back with the ball.

39: From a Jason Nightingale kick, Greg Inglis fails to clean up the ball allowing Shaun Kenny-Dowall to pounce. Video Referee checking onside, but there's no problem.

40: TRY NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Scored by Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Kick to come.
The Kiwis are demolishing the Kangaroos. 24-6 with a kick to come.

40: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION NEW ZEALAND KIWIS
Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
New Zealand take a 20 point lead into the break. That's right - New Zealand are leading by 20 against Australia.

40: As predicted in our League Unlimited preview, Martin Taupau has played a starring role in the Kiwis performance, coming up with close to 100 metres.

40: The one positive for the Kangaroos is that in last year's mid-season test, New Zealand established a solid halftime lead only for Australia to come back. However, a 26-6 lead appears to be a bridge too far for Australia.

40: Australia kick off and the 2nd half is underway.

41: Inglis takes the first run for Australia.

42: Cameron Smith puts in a second kick but Roger Tuivasa-Scheck is able to clean up with ease.

43: Issac Luke kicks from dummy half as Josh Dugan makes a good run.

43: Greg Inglis almost breaks through the Kiwis but earns a penalty.

44: Jennings is taken just short of the line.

44: Johnathan Thurston puts in a grubber for Josh Dugan but it looks as though the ball has gone dead.

44: Dugan has put a foot on the line. NO TRY.

45: Johnson bombs as Dugan makes no mistake.

46: Australia inside the Kiwis half with a number of tackles remaining,

46: Shaun Kenny-Dowall cleans up for New Zealand and is rewarded with a penalty.

48: Vatuvei loses the ball with the line wide open.

48: Inglis pulls the ball from Vatuvei's grasp. No Try.

48: Had Vatuvei been able to score his third there, the Kiwis would've been almost certainties to win.

49: Penalty to Australia for a strip.

50: Nate Myles loses the ball close to the line. The longer the game goes, the more likely it appears New Zealand will be victorious.

51: Knock on against New Zealand. Australia to feed 40 metres out from their own line.

52: Inglis looked to be in for all money, but somehow the Kiwis hold out.

52: Cooper Cronk is claiming a try, but the referee is saying No Try.

52: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck looks to have saved another try.

52: Decision comes back No Try.

52: New Zealand won't be denied today.

54: Sam Thaiday makes it to halfway but the Kangaroos look lost.

55: Greg Bird has been reduced to kicking on the last tackle. There is nothing happening for Australia, it will take a miracle to even score a try the way New Zealand are playing.

56: Penalty to Australia against Shaun Kenny-Dowall.

56: Thurston looks to find Inglis inside, but the Kiwis have it covered.

58: Josh Dugan is claiming a try after a knock on from Manu Vatuvei, but it looks as though the Dragons fullback grounded the ball short of the line.

58: Short Answer: No Try. Long Answer: Australian Scrum.

58: Chambers is claiming a try. Referee ruling a Try, but checking for obstruction.

58: TRY AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS
Scored by Will Chambers. Kick to come.
After a miserable first half, the debutant scores the first try of the second half.

58: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION AUSTRALIA KANGAROOS
Conversion attempt by Johnathan Thurston successful.
From touch, Thurston converts.

59: Thurston bombs but Nightingale cleans up. Big catch from the Dragons winger.

60: Johnson looks to find touch, but Inglis cleans up on the 20 metre line.

62: Thurston bombs, but once again the kick is too big for the chasers.

62: Big run from Vatuvei as the Kiwis make it over halfway.

63: Inglis earns a penalty, Australia will need to score again soon if they are to come away with an unlikely win.

63: Another Thurston inside ball is dropped by Tamou after he found some space.

64: Great work from Jason Nightingale to make a 50 metre run.

65: Kenny-Dowall loses the ball 12 out from the line.

66: Good shit from Shaun Kenny-Dowall on Thurston.

66: Asutralia elects to run the ball on the last, but Greg Bird knocks on.

67: Greg Eastwood makes an appalling attempt to play the ball. Australia will have another chance with close to 10 minutes remaining.

68: Australia's inability to produce quality last tackle plays has killed any hope of salvaging this match.

69: Great run from Josh Dugan comes to a nasty end as Greg Eastwood goes low resulting in Dugan being flipped over.

68: Greg Eastwood off with concussion test, replaced by Martin Taupau.

69: Corey Parker makes a great run, but Michael Jennings loses the ball after a series of passes.

71: Shaun Johnson finds touch 10 metres out from the Australian line. Nine minutes left, New Zealand would've been hoping for a better second half in attack, but overall they have had Australia covered in every area.

72: Roger Tuivasa-Scheck loses the ball giving Australia a chance from close range.

72: Luke Lewis gets over the line, but Thurston's pass is ruled forward.

73: Jason Nightingale has been lifted by Greg Bird in a dangerous position.

74: Tuivasa-Scheck looks to find some space but loses the ball.

75: Cronk's kick trap Tuivasa-Scheck in goal. Line Dropout.

76: Inglis loses the ball during an attacking raid, that pretty much sums up the second half - Australia with plenty of possession but unable to capitalise.

78: Shaun Johnson is away, but Inglis manages to run him down.

79: Manu Vatuvei is awarded the Charles Savory Medal as awarded by the Australian and New Zealand selector.

79: Johnson kicks ahead for Shaun Kenny-Dowall, but the referee has gone No Try.

79: Kenny-Dowall has lost the ball in grounding the ball.

80: New Zealand have broken the 17 year mid-season drought. The Kiwis prevail 26-12.

80: Full Match Report to follow shortly...