New Zealand shock Australia with 30-12 win in Four Nations rugby

New Zealand shocked Australia in the Four Nations with a resounding 30-12 victory in Brisbane that ended the hosts' 16-match winning run. Beau Scott put Australia in front early on but New Zealand hit back through Kevin Proctor's strong run and finish. Greg Inglis regained the lead for the home side with a flying effort, but Lewis Brown's try levelled the contest. Superb Shaun Johnson and Dean Whare tries put New Zealand ahead, and Jason Nightingale's score sealed the win.

The world champions suffered a number of withdrawals ahead of the tournament, with Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston amongst those to pull out through injury, and they were sorely missed as the green and golds lost a Test match for the first time since the 2010 Four Nations final against the same opposition. This encounter at the Suncorp Stadium was a repeat of the 2013 World Cup final where the Kangaroos demolished New Zealand 34-2, but the visitors, guided by the impressive Johnson, gained revenge in spectacular fashion.

It sets up an intriguing contest for Australia in Melbourne next weekend, as they face England who defeated Samoa earlier in the day, knowing that another loss would end any chance of reaching the final in Wellington.