Kiwis winger Jamayne Isaako accepts blame for World Cup loss to Australia

Kiwis winger Jamayne Isaako has accepted responsibility for his part in New Zealand's 24-22 Rugby League World Cup defeat to Australia in Sydney, according to the NZ Herald. Despite spending most of the match on the front foot, the Kiwis fell short by two points after Australia winger Jack Bostock scored a hat-trick—three of Australia's five tries.

Two of Bostock's three tries came from beating Isaako in the air, which Isaako said he took personally, given the pair are NRL teammates at the Dolphins. He said he wanted to focus on doing his job to the best of his ability.

Isaako's boot kept the Kiwis close, with a perfect night off the tee including two penalties, as New Zealand were outscored five tries to three. The Kiwis held a training session on Monday morning at Aranui, Isaako's first club. Isaako said playing in the black jersey is not taken lightly.

Meanwhile, the Kiwi Ferns were given a huge fright in their World Cup opener before beating Fiji 18-12 in Newcastle, RNZ reported. Fiji held a 12-10 lead at halftime and led until 18 minutes into the second half, when a penalty from former Jillaroo Zahara Temara drew the Ferns level. Temara kicked another penalty to give New Zealand a 14-12 lead with five minutes remaining, and Leianne Tufuga sealed the win with a try in the corner after a superb chip kick from Raecene McGregor with two minutes to go.

Stacey Waaka scored both New Zealand tries in the first half, benefiting from a long pass from Apii Nicholls and a delayed pass from Mele Hufanga. Fiji, playing in their maiden World Cup, scored through Losana Lutu and Sienna Laing in the first half. The Kiwi Ferns did most of the attacking in the second half but took time to break Fiji's resistance.