Skipper among try scorers as Aussies beat New Zealand

Australia scored two tries in six minutes after the half-time break to beat New Zealand 30-6 in a rugby league Test match yesterday.

Captain Darren Lockyer was among the second-half tryscorers for Australia at Suncorp Stadium and Johnathan Thurston kicked five goals to lead the home side.

"They're always physical, we weathered the storm early but in the end I think they got a little bit tired and with the skill of some of our players, we came home over the top of them," Lockyer said.

Australia's first try in the second half came after a handling error by New Zealand halfback Ben Roberts.

Looking to defuse a towering kick on his own line, Roberts saw three Australian defenders close in. But he let the ball slip through his hands with Matt King putting Australia ahead 12-0.

Brent Tate finished off a long backline move to make it 18-0 for the home side just minutes later.

The only points of the first half came from Australian second rower Nathan Hindmarsh, who moved quickly on to a short pass from halfback Thurston for a converted try in the 19th minute.

Willie Mason was denied a try three minutes later when video referee Tim Mander determined the Australian forward lost the ball in a three-man tackle.

Thurston had a chance to put up Australia up 8-0 with a difficult-angled 22m penalty seconds before half-time, but his kick curled back and hit the upright.

"They're a big side, a very strong side," Thurston said of the New Zealanders. "But we played very well."

New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi said he was happy with his young side's effort.

"It's a new era for the Kiwis and we've got a few young faces. We'll learn a lot from this," he said.

"The whole idea was to breed these guys for the World Cup next year and give them some experience. I'm proud of them," he said.