Rugby League: Dallas double on debut

Brett Dallas marked his international debut with two tries as he helped Australia overwhelm New Zealand 26-8 in the first Test in Brisbane yesterday. Dallas scored his tries within two minutes midway through the first half to put the match beyond the Kiwis.

Terry Hill and Adam Muir also scored tries before a disappointing crowd of 25,000 with Rod Wishart completed the scoring with five goals. New Zealand replied with a first-half try from second row forward Stephen Kearney and two goals from full-back Matthew Ridge.

Australia's front-row forward, Mark Carroll, the man of the match, was outstanding early on, putting on a magnificent performance despite several trips to the blood-bin.

Carroll and his Manly team-mate, David Gillespie, ripped into the Kiwi pack from the kick-off and finished well on top, providing Australia with the early momentum to shock the favoured Kiwis.

The three-Test series has been billed in the local media as a test of strength between the Australian Rugby League and Rupert Murdoch's Super League. Australia selected 11 new caps after overlooking players who have aligned themselves with the breakaway Super League, due to be launched in Australia and New Zealand next year.