Mal Meninga fires ominous warning to England and Samoa as he claims Australia can still improve

Australian national team manager Mal Meninga warned the Kangaroos could get even better after winning New Zealand 16-14 in a classic Rugby League World Cup semi-final at Elland Road.

The double defending champions fought back twice to reach next week’s final at Old Trafford, where they will face the winners of Sunday’s clash between England and Samoa.

“We haven’t had a match like this for a number of years and in my experience it was one of the best Test matches I was involved in,” said the very experienced Meninga.

Mal Meninga believes the kangaroos can still level up in the Rugby League World Cup

“I think we can get better that way. We can learn from that, but that’s what playing brings to your country – those kinds of games where you have to find that little bit extra in the way you play, or in your level of effort to get that win.”

Meninga was especially pleased with the way his side coped with adversity, with Dylan Brown crossing for the opening attempt and the Kangaroos having to try their luck at times as the Kiwis ruled out two attempts in the second half.

“I’m very happy with the commitment and dedication and all those qualities that you want in the players,” added Meninga. “Both teams showed that and both teams wanted to win. We did a little better than them.’

New Zealand coach Michael Maguire lamented “a few moments” that could have cost his side a historic victory and a place in the World Cup final.

Australia defeated New Zealand 16-14 in Leeds to secure a place in the World Cup final

Josh Addo-Carr scored an excellent attempt to draw the Kangaroos level in the first half

Peta Hiku was denied twice for fringe fouls, and a brief hiatus in concentration allowed Cameron Murray to squirm for what turned out to be the winning try.

Maguire said: ‘I am absolutely proud of the players – it was a huge effort and it could have gone either way, and unfortunately it didn’t go our way.

“I really believe that we are closing the gap at this level in a big way and that we need to play more to find the moments needed to win it.

Michael Maguire claimed a ‘few moments’ cost the Kiwis Friday night’s game

“It could have been a different story and I feel for them. You watch your players and they deserve the chance to go again next week. I’m really devastated for the players.”

The Kangaroos now go into the final as near-invincible favorites, but Kiwis captain Jesse Bromwich believes his side’s first-half performance gives hope that the final won’t be a formality.

“What we did in the first half today was a very good plan for whoever she plays next week,” said Bromwich.

“We’ve put so much energy into this tournament and it’s heartbreaking to just come up short in this way.”