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Find your frequencyKiwis eye trans-Tasman double after All Blacks’ Bledisloe triumph
Sport Nation • October 13th, 2026 3:55 pm
Joseph Tapine | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
The Kiwis are hoping to follow the All Blacks’ example and make it a memorable week for New Zealand by beating reigning world champions Australia in Thursday's Rugby League World Cup opener.
Kodi Nikorima said the team watched the All Blacks’ win over the Wallabies together and remain hopeful they will do the double for New Zealand.
“That'd be awesome, aye? We watched that game in the team room. They were pretty clinical and hopefully we can do the same thing this week.”
Ardie Savea | Photo: Photosport
Joseph Tapine also admitted himself and captain James Fisher-Harris had met with All Blacks captain Ardie Savea to seek world cup advice.
“Me and Fish actually had a video (call) with Ardie earlier in the year and asked for some advice on how they handled their world cups and their pressure.
“He gave some good nuggets there,” Tapine explained.
New Zealand will need to be at its best against an Australian side Nikorima described as a formidable challenge.
“They are the reigning champs, world No. 1, and it's going to be a good test for us.
“They're obviously a quality side and 1-19, they're all I guess origin reps as well so we'll have to be on against Australia.”
Kodi Nikorima | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The Kiwis were beaten by the Kangaroos at the last world cup, but Tapine believes the side has improved since then.
“I think we've got better depth, we've got a better mindset.
"We've beat Australia since then as well, so that'll help us with a bit of confidence as a team.”
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