Wayne Bennett's critics will be calling for his head after Australia fumbled it's way through an embarrassing Tri Nations rugby league final at Elland Road.

The shock 24-0 loss to a pumped up New Zealand continued Bennett's forgettable 2005 in which Brisbane experienced another finals fade out after being on top of the ladder towards the end of the minor premiership.

Australia, clearly on the wrong end of English referee Steve Ganson's whistle in the first half, had no answers to the Kiwi's simple tactics.

The Kiwi's passion and intensity levels at times made it look like they had twice as many players on the field as Australia.

Tactically, the Kangaroos were caught on the hop.

The fallout from Australia's equal heaviest Test loss in almost 100 years, and the end of a Kangaroo reign spanning 27 years, will have Bennett's critics baying for his blood as national coach.

Bennett has publicly expressed a desire to continue in the top job through to the 2008 World Cup in Australia.

But the magnitude of Saturday night's result will give his army of detractors even more ammunition to fire.

The players were expecting some bad press after their poor performance, several admitting they were "embarrassing".

Bennett though was not concerned at any consequences which could flow from the stunning defeat, Australia first series loss since 1978 when beaten by France and it's biggest losing margin in a Test since the Kiwis hammered them 49-25 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground in 1952.

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