Australia beat NZ in double-header to seal final spots
Australia's men and women lost to New Zealand in the Pacific Cup final last year
- Published
Australia's men and women booked Pacific Cup final places by beating New Zealand in a double-header in Christchurch.
Zac Lomax scored two tries for the Kangaroos in a 22-10 win over an understrength New Zealand at Apollo Projects Stadium, their first meeting since the Kiwis' 30-0 triumph in last year's final.
In the women's match, the Jillaroos became the first team to prevent the Kiwi Ferns from scoring, a fine try by full-back Tamika Upton the highlight of a 14-0 victory.
Australia's men and women are guaranteed to finish top of their three-team groups and will contest the finals on 10 November against the runners-up.
For the men, that will be New Zealand or Tonga, who meet on Saturday.
The women will take on New Zealand or Papua New Guinea, who play on 3 November.
Meninga's men avenge record defeat
Pacific Cup: Men
New Zealand (6) 10
Tries: Isaako, Warbrick Goal: Isaako
Australia (12) 22
Tries: Collins, Lomax 2, Moses Goals: Lomax 3
Australia's defeat in last year's final was their heaviest in 115 years of men's Test rugby league.
On Sunday Angus Crichton failed to take an early try chance for Mal Meninga's side when losing the ball in the process of grounding without a defender near him.
Lindsay Collins surged 40 metres to open the scoring, but New Zealand responded with a superb try, Jamayne Isaako diving over in the corner after Keano Kini helped the ball on with an improvised basketball-style push.
Lomax scored either side of half-time - first set up by a Tom Trbojevic burst, then forcing his way over in the corner.
Will Warbrick reduced New Zealand's deficit, gathering Shaun Johnson's crossfield kick and losing Lomax with a clever spin to score in the corner.
But Dylan Edwards powered through the middle to send Mitch Moses clear for his first Australia try.
Upton stars for Jillaroos
Pacific Cup: Women
New Zealand (0) 0
Australia (4) 14
Tries: Penitani, Upton, Sergis Goal: Aiken
Upton capped an impressive attacking display with a second-half try as Australia's women - beaten 12-6 by New Zealand in last year's final - won convincingly.
Head coach Brad Donald could be pleased with his side's defensive resolve and the way they took their chances, although Kezie Apps and Olivia Higgins suffered injuries.
They went ahead when Tiana Penitani took Ali Brigginshaw's short pass to cross.
Upton showed a turn of speed to race away from Georgia Hale and Ash Quinlan to score, then set up the third try for Jess Sergis.
Higgins was injured when tackling Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa - Donald said she may have dislocated a wrist - while Apps injured her left foot but returned with it strapped up.