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The Centenary Test was played on a sour note with the unnerving news of the death of former coaching great and newly named "coach of the century" Jack Gibson. His death 90 minutes before kick-off set a sombre mood for the crowd of 34,571.
In an emotional night, the Kangaroos scored an emphatic 28–12 victory over New Zealand on Friday night May 9 at the SCG, reversing the 11–10 defeat by the Kiwis exactly 100 years ago.
The Australians' early domination of field position set the tone of the night as the Kiwis struggled to repel the unrelenting waves of attack.
The highlight came early as the Melbourne Storm's Greg Inglis leapt over the dead ball line, tapping the ball back "volleyball-style" into the field of play for Mark Gasnier to score the first of his two tries for the night.
The sideline conversion by Johnathan Thurston dumbfounded many with his ability to curve the ball from right to left. The Australian half-back may now claim ownership of the term "bend it like Beckham".
Australia's unyielding pressure was converted into points soon after, with tries to Paul Gallen and captain Cameron Smith.
A concussion to New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi, causing him blurred vision, had a major impact on the Kiwis "go-forward", resulting in many wasted plays going from sideline to sideline. From there, New Zealand never recovered.
At 22–nil, halftime couldn't come quick enough for newly appointed Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney and his assistant Wayne Bennett.
The break was a blessing for New Zealand, who showed their spirit with an improved display, resulting in a quality 50-metre try by Iosia Soliola. Sonny Bill Williams flick passed the ball to the Rooster's centre Soliola, who palmed off Inglis to open the Kiwis scoring account.
An Israel Folau try soon after dented the Kiwis' comeback.
The return of Rabbitoh's hooker Isaac Luke reignited New Zealand's attack, resulting in consolation try to Sam Perrett in the 80th minute.
Australia's best were man-of-the-match Smith, Gasnier and Inglis. For the Kiwis, Williams, Luke and Soliola were the most impressive.
New Zealand must now recompose themselves for the end-of-year Rugby League World Cup. The return of quality halves Benji Marshall and Ben Roberts, who were both out injured, will cause a profound improvement in their direction and kicking game.
The minute of silence before the starting whistle in tribute to the passing of Jack Gibson – one of the world's greatest coaches who left an historical footprint in society and the Rugby League landscape – was marred by some disrespectful loud members of the excited crowd.
Mr Gibson, a five-time premiership coach, was voted last month as "Australia's rugby league coach of the century".
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