The Black Ferns have claimed the Pacific Four series with a 40-5 win over the Wallaroos on the Sunshine Coast.
The Aussies took a step forward after a disappointing USA tour, returning home to a strong crowd of 5,508 in testing conditions.
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However, the Kiwis made it 30 straight over the Wallaroos and claimed the first Test between the two nations on ANZAC Day.
"Disappointed, but we came with a game plan, and we did that, we've just got to give credit to New Zealand, and they're a world-class team for a reason," captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona said post-game.
The visitors were intent on keeping their unbeaten record as Amy du Plessis sliced through for the opening try in the fourth minute.
But the Wallaroos were in the fight, with Desiree Miller and Georgina Friedrichs nearly combining for an instant response, only for the pass to just be off the mark.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker was denied a try in the 14th minute after a clear forward pass was picked up by the TMO. This provided the Wallaroos with confidence as they launched their attack through their rolling maul.
The quick throw to the front with no lineout jumper caught the Kiwis napping, allowing captain Palu Sekona to split away down the blindside for their first points.
Palu Sekona’s try was instantly answered by the visitors as Ruahei Demant’s grubber found flyer Ayesha Leti-l’iga for her first try of the year.
Samantha Wood kept the Wallaroos in the fight with a nice break close to the ruck, but tries either side of the break allowed the Black Ferns to build an unassailable lead.
du Plessis and Leti-l’iga combine for the winger’s second and a 21-5 half-time lead, extended when replacement prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu powered over 90 seconds into the second half as the rain pelted down in the Sunshine Coast.
It was fitting that the Kiwis’ win was sealed by Laura Bayfield as the game ticked over past the hour mark.
Bayfield, a current serving member of the New Zealand army, dived over in the corner following Justine McGregor’s earlier try.
The Aussies kept fighting until the end, with Piper Simons’ desperate scramble stopping a debut try to Tara Turner.
In the end, the Black Ferns had too much firepower, securing the Pacific Four series title and the O’Reilly Cup for another year.
The two teams will face off again in August to conclude the two-Test series following their respective club seasons.
"We've got positives to take away and that's just something we have to build on...to play an historic Test match on Anzac and to get the privilege to play a Test match and honour the country that they fought for, like what a thrilling experience to have," Palu Sekona added.
Black Ferns 40 (du Plessis, Leti-l’iga 2, Mahutariki-Fakalelu, McGregor, Bayfield tries; Holmes 5 cons) def Wallaroos 5 (Palu Sekona try)
