League icon Andrew Johns has shredded the Kangaroos for what he deemed to be "embarrassing" defence as they fell to a record loss against the Kiwis in the final of the inaugural Pacific Championships.
Mal Meninga's side was shut out for the first time since 2005, as the Kiwis rammed home five unanswered tries to run out 30-0 winners in Hamilton.
The 30-point margin marked Australia's heaviest loss in 395 Test matches played since 1908 and came after the Kangaroos had thrashed the Kiwis 36-18 just a week ago.
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Jamayne Isaako scored two tries, while Ronaldo Mulitalo, Matt Timoko and Griffin Neame also crossed over.
Johns' frustration boiled over after Neame skipped past multiple defenders to score the Kiwis' fifth try of the afternoon.
"This is quite embarrassing from Australia. It's really tired and really poor technique," Johns said of Australia's defence on Nine's coverage.
While last week's contest between the two sides was highlighted by the intense scenes following New Zealand's Haka, there was no pre-match fireworks this time around.
Former Storm captain Cameron Smith said the difference in the pre-match ceremony may have played a role in the result.
"They played with a lot more composure this week compared to last," he said on Nine.
"They took a lot of emotion into last week's match … but today they worried about their football and thought about their football."
However, that changed as soon as Australia kicked off, with Kiwis skipper James Fisher-Harris flattening Ben Hunt with the first hit-up of the afternoon. Fisher-Harris' monster hit set the tone for his side.
"It all started from the start and the energy levels of New Zealand just overpowered Australia," Storm great Billy Slater said on Nine's coverage.
"They had high energy for all 80 minutes. Once they got on top of the scoreboard, they could really sense the upset."
Warriors star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was named the Player of the Match after running for 277 metres in the win.
"They were different. Early on the halves were combining. The back three were absolutely awesome," league great Brad Fittler said on Nine's coverage.
"Across the park, they were just absolutely faultless."
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