The New Zealanders missed the punch of retired veteran Ruben Wiki, the injured pair - captain Roy Asotasi and Frank Pritchard - as well as Sonny Bill Williams in the 30-6 loss in Sydney last Sunday.
The Kiwis, however, believe they did exceptionally well to restrict Australia to 30 points on the scoreboard, given the mountain of defence they were forced into because of poor early ball security and ill-discipline.
"I thought our forward pack did a wonderful job the other night given the amount of tackling they had to do they really stood up," said Kearney.
"There are aspects we can improve and we'll be looking to do that this week.
"But I thought overall the forward group did a great job.
"The guys coming off the bench did a wonderful job for us and as a forward pack that's some real momentum to take into this weekend's game." Kearney has recalled Krisnan Inu, Issac Luke and David Fa'alogo for Saturday night's World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea at Skilled Park in Robina.
Inu, who played on the wing against Tonga on October 18, comes in at centre for the suspended Steve Matai while second rower Setaimata Sa returns to the starting line up for the injured Sika Manu (eye) with Fa'alogo taking Sa's spot on the bench.
The only other change to the side that lost 6-30 to Australia in Sydney on Sunday night sees a swap in the dummy half option on the interchange bench, Luke taking over from Dene Halatau.
While Inu, Luke and Fa'alogo all missed the official World Cup opener in Sydney, they not only played against Tonga 10 days ago but they also lined up for the All Golds against New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on October 12.
"Suspension and injury have kept Steve and Sika out but it's a comfort for us that we have quality players to bring in like Kris and David," Kearney said.
"And Issac has kept pushing for a spot as well. It's a sign of the competition we have for places within the squad." New Zealand will need to bounce back hard against Papua New Guinea who surprised everyone with their brave display against England in Townsville.
"From watching them play England we know they're going to be a very committed side and we are not on the Gold Coast for a holiday," said Kearney.
Kearney was stunned by suggestions he may shift Benji Marshall from five-eighth to halfback to inject some variety into the Kiwi attack
"Not in my side," said Kearney almost in disbelief at such a question.
The team is: Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Krisnan Inu, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Thomas Leuluai, Nathan Cayless (c), Nathan Fien, Adam Blair, Simon Mannering, Setaimata Sa, Jeremy Smith.
Interchange: Issac Luke, Greg Eastwood, Sam Rapira, David Fa'alogo.
