'Will be much better': Stacey Jones' promise to Kiwis fans after 'clunky' loss to Kangaroos

New Zealand Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has vowed his side will be better after a 22-10 loss to the Kangaroos.

The win for Australia ended a 12-year hoodoo in which they hadn't won in New Zealand since 2012.

While the Kiwis were gallant in defeat, they never had the lead and apart from stages in the first half, never looking like taking it.

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While Jones admitted he was "disappointed" with the result, the coach was quick to heap praise on his debutants along with the work done from James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine in the middle.

"I'm proud of the effort that was put in there ... we were just clunky in areas, missed tackles leading to tries and our attack will be much better next week for the run we had today," he said.

One of the peculiar selection decisions from Jones was to start fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the halves alongside Shaun Johnson.

The five-eighth didn't have his strongest match, but Jones defended the 29-year-old.

"Charnze hasn't played for seven weeks," he said.

"I thought he defended soundly. Again it's just looking for that improvement and Charnze will be better for the run."

As for Johnson, the halfback showed glimpses of his magic touch.

His cross kick try-assist for Will Warbrick was one special moment from the game. Jones believes he too will improve ahead of the clash against Tonga.

"We've had to manage Shaun last week and we'll manage him again this week," he said.

"Shaun was good tonight, he kicked the ball well, got repeat sets. He'll tidy up the areas of where we need to attack. Shaun will be much better for it and he'll help our attack."