Australia 30 New Zealand 6:Australia made a confident start to their defence of the Rugby League World Cup trophy today but they were hardly stretched by a limited New Zealand side who contributed little to a low-key encounter in front of a bumper 34,157 crowd at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The Kiwis showed plenty of endeavour and trailed only 8-6 when debutant second rower Sika Manu scored their only try after 26 minutes but there was a sense of inevitability about the Kangaroos' eighth successive win over their Trans-Tasman rivals.
With Lockyer and Thurston in imposing form, Australia dominated from start to finish, with awesome teenager Israel Folau grabbing a brace of tries and Billy Slater, Joel Monaghan and Greg Inglis also touching down.
Coach Ricky Stuart was delighted with the debut of Monaghan while fellow newcomers Anthony Laffranchi, Glenn Stewart and Josh Perry all played their parts in an impressive all-round display.
"It was our first game and we wanted to show our opponents that we're serious," said Stuart.
"The players transferred their preparation to the match really well. A lot of extra work went into the combinations and fluency around the ruck and they were fast and skilful.
"We want to keep improving. We're always vulnerable because we're carrying the favourites' tag. We have to be at our best at the back end of the campaign."
New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney could not hide his disappointment after the one-sided opener and is hoping for a significant improvement when they take on Papua New Guinea on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
"We are very disappointed, given the anticipation and the wonderful crowd," he said. "They put us under pressure and we couldn't respond.
"But we're not chucking in the towel. It was the first game for us against real opposition. We needed an indication of where we're at and we need some improvement."
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