Australia will rally around Noah Lolesio after his poor kicking handed New Zealand victory in the Bledisloe Cup opener.
Noah Lolesio's wayward kicking cost Australia at Eden Park on Saturday, but the Wallabies plan to keep faith with their young fly-half.
Lolesio, 21, entered the Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand with 52 Test points in 2021, trailing only Johnny Sexton (65) among players for tier one nations.
But he added just five in a 33-25 All Blacks victory, missing two of three penalties and three of four conversions.
Windy conditions did not help Lolesio, yet his profligacy proved the difference between the sides as Australia's run of defeats in Auckland – where Lolesio was born – extended to 21 Tests.
Coach Dave Rennie was in forgiving mood, though, with the number 10 having contributed 23 points in a series decider against France just last month.
"He was sensational in the French series and you don't go from an ace goal kicker to a novice overnight," Rennie said. "Tough conditions – we saw Richie [Mo'unga] miss as well.
"He kicked penalties in the French series to win the first and third Test and one that should have won us the second one. Yes, he'll be disappointed.
"We've got a lot of faith in the kid. He's going to get better and better, he's 21 and there are a lot of young men around him as well.
"He's growing and he's an impressive kid, too, very confident, great work ethic, he's spending a lot of time sitting around with Quade [Cooper] and talking about the generic parts of his game.
"He played pretty well tonight, but he had a rough night with the boot."
Captain Michael Hooper added: "We pick each other up. As Dave said, his boot guided us through a series win.
"In a goal kicker's career, there's going to be nights like that. He'll be better from it. He'll learn from that for sure."
