The Jillaroos have the early advantage in their three-match Test series against the Kiwi Ferns at the Downer NRL Auckland Nines, recording a convincing 20-4 victory in the first women's match of the tournament.
Some clever footwork saw Kezie Apps open the scoring on the first set of the match, running 60 metres for a bonus zone try.
When New Zealand finally got some ball in attacking territory they gave it straight back to the Jillaroos, with Chelsea Baker intercepting a pass and racing 80-metres for a second bonus zone try.
Trailing 12-0 at the break, the Kiwi Ferns had to do something fast and they hit back early in the second period via powerful winger Amber Kani.
But that good work was quickly undone when New Zealand allowed Baker to break through on halfway, from where she stood up Sarina Fiso and strolled through for her second try of the match.
Some spirited defence saw Australia withhold some late pressure from the Kiwi Ferns, before Isabelle Kelly scored in the corner to cap off a 20-4 victory.
The concerns may go even deeper than the defeat for the Kiwi Ferns, who also lost Kahurangi Peters and Luisa Gago to injury in the match.
Jillaroos 20 (Chelsea Baker 2, Kezie Apps, Isabelle Kelly tries; 1 goal) def. Kiwi Ferns 4 (Amber Kani try). Half-time: 12-0.
