Kidwell: We’re building

New Zealand coach David Kidwell has refused any talk of a potential Four Nations final afer his side lost a six-point thriller to Australia.

The Kiwis need to beat Scotland on Friday night, and hope the Kangaroos defeat England next Sunday, to book their spot at Anfield after they lost in Coventry.

But Kidwell has declined to write off the Scots.

“We’re not going to talk about any potential final,” he said.

“Scotland are a very good side and you can’t take anyone lightly at this tournament.”   

The Kiwis have now lost their past three encounters this year to Mal Meninga’s team.

But Kidwell believes his side is getting better.

“I think we’re definitely building and improving,” he said.

“We improved from Perth to the England Test. I think we improved again but it’s about taking your opportunities.

“That’s a learning curve for the whole team. At times we didn’t do that but towards the end there we started playing some football that we know we can play.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the effort. We almost snatched it.”