New Zealand prop Adam Blair believes a lack of discipline is the only difference between his team and Australia.

And skipper Benji Marshall isn't sure there's a difference at all.

The Kangaroos escaped with a 12-8 victory over the Kiwis in their trans-Tasman Test at the new AAMI Park in Melbourne on Friday night, each side scoring two tries apiece in the rainy conditions.

The visitors fought back from 12-0 down, scoring both tries in the final 12 minutes to set up a thrilling finale.

Blair said his world champions let themselves down with penalties at costly times.

"The boys stuck in there for most of the game it was just a couple of silly penalties that gave them the march down the field a couple of times and that's what hurt us in the end," he said.

"I think discipline is something we really need to work on.

"Playing against the Aussies you can't let them march down the field like we did because they're going to hurt us in the end."

Blair was involved in an incident that could hurt his club the Melbourne Storm, although due to their salary cap turmoil they're no longer playing for NRL points.

Late in the first half Blair was tackled by Storm skipper and Australian hooker Cameron Smith, who landed awkwardly and injured his elbow.

Medical officials believe he strained his medial ligament and may have temporarily dislocated the joint.

Blair said he spoke to his teammate after the match.

"He said it was alright and he was alright.

"He said it got stuck in an awkward position and I heard him yell when I was trying to get up and play the ball so I stopped."

He doubted Smith would be able to play for the Storm against Brisbane at the ground on Sunday.

The prop, who led the New Zealand haka before the match, said he was proud of how his side fought back.

"I think it was a big effort out there for a young team and they put up a good fight," he said.

Kiwi skipper Benji Marshall was asked where he thought his team failed to match up.

"I don't think we're that far off to tell you the truth ... at the end of the day the goalkicking put them in front. If anything we think we're equal or even better," Marshall said.

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