Flying start as Roos knocked off at Lang Park

New Zealand has handed Australia a 30-12 defeat at Lang Park to get the Kiwis’ Four Nations challenge off to a flying start.

The victory on Saturday night was New Zealand’s first against Australia since a 34-20 win at Eden Park in Auckland in November 2010.

The Kiwis came from behind twice in the first half to make it 12-12 at the break, before a stunning second-half performance saw the visitors add three tries without reply.

Beau Scott scored the opening try for Australia after three minutes, but just after the quarter-hour Kevin Proctor scored for New Zealand to make it 6-6.

Greg Inglis grabbed the Kangaroos’ second try on 21 minutes, but the Australians lead lasted only eight minutes before Leigh Brown went in to score.

Shaun Johnson scored a converted try early in the second half to make it 18-12, and then Dean Whare gave the Kiwis added momentum when he crossed for a four-pointer in the 50th minute.

Jason Nightingale – who had earlier butchered a try by dropping the ball as he dived over the try-line – scored New Zealand’s fifth try with 11 minutes left.

The Australians lost Daly Cherry-Evans and Greg Inglis to injury as the Kiwis finished over the top of the home side.

Earlier, England began the Four Nations tournament with a 32-26 win over Samoa.

More to follow.