Rookie Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga (pictured) has defended his team following  Australias defeat of New Zealand  in Newcastle on Friday night.

Former New South Wales Origin coach and tv commentator Phi Gould was full of scorn for the Australian side following the 16 – 0 win, saying the current team were no chance of winning next years World Cup.

Meninga said its disappointing to hear the criticism of his team that did what it needed to win the Test.