Kevin Walters has warned Australia have another gear to go to in the World Cup final against New Zealand, after declaring his pack had answered the critics in the Samoa showdown.
Australia's 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa on Sunday was by far the Kangaroos' most complete performance of the tournament so far, with the first 50 minutes near perfect.
A sterner challenge awaits against the Kiwis on Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium, after a titanic battle between the two teams in last month's tournament opener.
Much of the commentary around that game had centred around New Zealand's performance, with Australia's first two tries coming from intercepts against the run of play.
But ahead of his last game in charge of the Kangaroos, Walters was adamant the best was still to come from Australia as they eye off a fourth straight crown.
“We've been building," Walters said.
"I’ve been telling our Australian fans and people that want to support the team that this team has set out to build over the tournament.
"(Sunday night) was a really good performance. I still think there is a bit more in us yet still. So that's exciting.
"We feel like we've got more to give yet, and I feel like watching the players and seeing them, they feel like they have more to give as well."
One area of significant improvement Walters pointed to was Australia's pack.
No Samoan middle topped 70 metres for the match, a number bettered by all five of the Kangaroos' middles who spent any reasonable amount of time on the field.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was the Kangaroos' best with 144 metres and six tackle busts, while Pat Carrigan was easily Australia's best off the bench.
"They’ve been questioned and criticised by some people, but not within the group,” Walters said.
“It hasn’t been spoken about, it’s just the Australian way. It’s just locking together and getting things done.
"We've got a lot of respect for what they do and I thought they were really good."
Walters' comments were echoed by captain Isaah Yeo, who continues to delay surgery on a ruptured pectoral to play in the World Cup.
"We're certainly not taking (criticism) personally or worrying about it,” Yeo said.
"We're just trying to do what is best for the side.
“There’s no stress or inner pressure on the group that they needed to go out and perform or listen to the critics.
"We just want them to keep doing their job, and everyone did that."
Australia have beaten the Kiwis in five of their past six matches dating back to the end of 2018, but were defeated by New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Cup final.
The two sides have not met in a World Cup decider since 2013, having played three in a row against each other until that point.
