LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a scathing assessment of the Kangaroos' performance, Greg Alexander, a respected figure in the rugby league community, did not hold back in his criticism.
He labeled their 30-0 loss to New Zealand as "embarrassing", highlighting the team's lackluster defense and numerous missed tackles.
The Australians were thoroughly outplayed by the Kiwis, who showcased superior intensity and dominated the line break count.
Despite the return of key players like Payne Haas, Liam Martin, and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, the Kangaroos failed to match the enthusiasm and energy displayed by their opponents.
The New Zealand pack, in particular, demonstrated a level of intensity that the Australians could not match.
This was evident in the tackle count, with the Kangaroos missing a staggering 51 tackles compared to the Kiwis' 33.
Adding insult to injury, none of the Kangaroos' forward pack managed to run for over 100 meters, further highlighting their lackluster performance.
In contrast, the Kiwis collectively outran the Australians by over 700 meters.
Alexander acknowledged the Kiwis' strong start as the foundation for their victory, but did not shy away from criticizing the Kangaroos' record defeat.
Describing the result as "embarrassing", Alexander emphasized the Kiwis' ability to humiliate the Kangaroos, who are traditionally a formidable force in rugby league.
The Australian team, known for their strength and skill, were thoroughly outclassed by their New Zealand counterparts.
The loss serves as a wake-up call for the Kangaroos, highlighting the need for improvement and a reassessment of their performance moving forward.