The ANZAC test was, as predicted by myself ehhehehe not all that bad. The Kiwis showed that they were very much there to play some decent footy and compete with the Kangaroos, but ultimately they just lacked that final whack. Here's some more thoughts on the game

• Siliva Havili was awesome at dummy half. The kid has a crisp pass as well as a great running game with lots of little subtle movements and tricks to get defenders off guard. Ben Henry was solid at hooker but Havili gave the Kiwis a great attacking option and should give Nathan Friend a bit more time on the bench with the Warriors.
• I'm not sure if it was pre-planned or whether Stephen Kearney felt like the game needed Isaac John, but it looked pre-planned that John would come and wouldn't leave. The Kiwis looked awesome with Shaun Johnson taking charge and having Tohu Harris as a half (even though he just played as a forward), it gave the Kiwis more go forward and another strong defender. John had some chances to really put the Kiwis in a good spot, instead he couldn't execute .... think his cross field kick in the second half that Greg Inglis caught on the full and the Kangaroos went down the other end to score.
• Would we have done better with the host of stars missing? Debatable. The only man who really could have changed the game would have been Kieran Foran (see above). Shaun Johnson was awesome early on, dictating the game but he couldn't close the game out. Having Foran there would have been very comforting.
• Hats off to the Kiwis pack. Jesse Bromwich and Sam Moa were awesome, while Martin Taupau added plenty of speed off the bench. Harris, Simon Mannering, Adam Blair, Greg Eastwood and Kevin Proctor all look comfortable not only running hard but also passing the ball which was a definite strategy - big, quick, skillful forwards. It worked for most of the game ... metres were made and the Kangaroos weren't able to roll down the field like they have previously
• The Kiwis need to keep a solid core group together and spend as much time as possible getting used to playing with each other. They still looked a little out of sync on attack and there were a few poor defensive reads that were created by lack of trust and knowledge.
• That's especially the case for Shaun Johnson, Peta Hiku and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. These guys will only get together a few times a year, but they need to create an understanding. It was only their first test all together so the NZRL needs to put some time and resource in to setting up a few coffee dates or something.
• There was a clear plan, which is awesome. While many were quick to lay in to Stephen Kearney and the selectors, this group was picked for a reason. Yes future planning played its part, but each player contributed to the overall style of footy. Everyone is quick footed, everyone can pass or offload, everyone is tough.
• So who could join the squad for the Four Nations? Well Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Shaun Kenny-Dowall will be certainties. As would Isaac Luke and Kieran Foran if fit. Basically add the guys who weren't there to this squad and you have a very decent unit don't ya?