Pacific champs New Zealand want a crack at Australian Kangaroos – every year
“We want to play against Australia at least once a year. At the moment we will only play them in the World Cup, but not in 2025 or 2027.”
Reece Walsh’s Kangaroos claimed the Ashes trophy by beating England 3-0.Credit: Getty Images
“We played them before we went to England in 2018, so there’s no reason why it can’t be done again before we go to England in 2027.
“It’s really important for the Kiwi brand that we go up against the best.
“The Pacifica fans have been excellent, they are passionate and very rich in culture, but what we love to see is the Trans-Tasman rivalry and that goes for every sport. It would be a real battle between the two teams available.”
Loading
“When we lost to Australia last year we had 10 players out. This year we are close to a full squad so it would be a great game. They have more depth but we would do more than match them up front.”
The Kiwis sent Kieran Foran into retirement in front of nearly 29,000 people on Sunday and will welcome the return of Jahrome Hughes in the World Cup halves to be played in Australia in October and November 2026.
Australia have the luxury of welcoming back-forwards Liam Martin (football) and Cam Murray (Achilles), along with wingers Xavier Coates (foot) and Zac Lomax (fullback), provided Lomax does not defect to R360 for next year’s tournament.
