The New Nation - Internet Edition

BBC Online

New Zealand stunned Australia to win the Rugby League World Cup for the first time after a thrilling game rich in drama and controversy.

The Kangaroos led 16-12 at the break, thanks largely to two tries from skipper Darren Lockyer.

Lance Hohaia and Benji Marshall scores put the Kiwis 22-16 in front before Greg Inglis touched down in the corner.

The Kiwis were awarded a penalty try after Joel Monagahn impeded Hohaia before Adam Blair sealed victory.

It was the game that the tournament so badly needed - and the victory for New Zealand rubbished the notion that the World Cup was nothing more than a victory procession for the Kangaroos.

Australia had held the trophy since 1975 and were undefeated in the current tournament, including a 30-6 win over New Zealand in their opening game.

The home nation will no doubt point to crucial decisions from referee Ashley Klein and video official Steve Ganson that went against their team, but after building a 10-0 lead they only have themselves to blame after a night when they made a series of uncharacteristic errors.

But the Kiwis had steadily improved through the tournament and put together a performance of skill, determination and power - and in doing so inflicted one of the greatest upsets in modern-day sport.

New Zealand started the match with aggression and energy, dominating the collision and enjoying territorial advantage.

Stephen Kearney's team should have translated their fine start into an early lead but Marshall - under no pressure - could not touch down Nathan Fien's beautifully weighted low kick.

And the underdog's failure to score was punished in the most emphatic manner when Billy Slater's curved run took him through a gap in the New Zealand defence.

The full-back, this week named world player of the year, burst forward before slipping an inside pass for Lockyer to score on his 50th international appearance.

Australia led 10-0 and the Kiwis were reeling. Had Lockyer not lost control as he touched down a grubber kick from Cameron Smith the final would surely have been rendered meaningless as a contest.