Kiwis coach David Kidwell insists that his side weren't embarrassed by their 28-22 Rugby League World Cup loss to Tonga yesterday, saying the Pacific powerhouses are a team to be respected.
Kidwell's side made history in Hamilton for all the wrong reasons, becoming the first ever Kiwis team to taste defeat at the hands of Mate Ma'a Tonga.
Speaking to media today however, Kidwell says his side didn't underestimate Tonga before the clash.
"There's no embarrassment," he said.
"You look at Tonga's side, they're a very good side."
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"We've just got to focus on our quarter final against Fiji now."
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