The Black Ferns have continued their dominance over Australia, as they claimed a 52-5 victory over their rivals in the first test of the Laurie O'Reilly Cup.
Having already beaten Australia on their way to the Pacific Four Nations title earlier this year, New Zealand ran in seven tries to claim an impressive win at Christchurch.
Veteran halfback Kendra Cocksedge led a spine-tingling haka in her 61st test match, with Australia showing resolve and respect, marching closer halfway through.
New Zealand made their intentions clear from the opening whistle, as they looked to spread the ball wide quickly after dominant carries up the middle.
The Black Ferns utilised clean lineout ball to set up their maul and attack the scrambling Australian defence. Cocksedge popped a clever ball to first-five Ruahei Demant, who showed good feet to score the game's first try.
Sevens convert Ruby Tui showed why she's so valuable in the 15-aside game, peppering the Australian back-three with smart kicks in-behind.
New Zealand turned down a number of goal-kicking opportunities, and in turn, favouring their dominant lineout and maul.
Another contest win saw Joanah Ngan-Woo crash over for the Black Ferns' second try, after Tanya Kalounivale proved a handful with a strong carry just a couple of metres out.
An over-committed Australian defence line allowed Black Ferns centre Amy du Plessis to dot down, after she stepped a would-be-tackler with the tryline begging.
Cocksedge then scored one of her own, after an earlier no-look pass to Ayesha Leti-I'ig saw New Zealand right on attack once again.
The halfback popped her head up, before selling the dummy pass and going in for the try to cap off a memorable first half.
The second-half was a much more stop-start affair, but it was the Black Ferns who continued their dominance with slick play.
Black Ferns winger Ayesha Leti-I'ig received the ball at a standing start around halfway, before showing the ball and racing away to score her first try.
New Zealand would be in just minutes later, as Demant strolled in to score her second try after the Black Ferns forwards linked up well in midfield.
Leti-I'ig crossed for her second, after a dominant Black Ferns scrum resulted in a quick-tap from a few metres out, before shifting the ball left to the unmarked winger.
New Zealand continued to go back to their favoured and dominant maul, following another lineout win. Replacement hooker Luka Connor rumbled over to score a try of her own.
Australia would have the last say however, as replacement loose forward Piper Duck scored in the corner to offer some respite from the visitors.
Black Ferns 52 (Demant 2x, Leti-I'ig 2x, Ngan-Woo, du Plessis, Cocksedge, Connor tries; Cocksedge 4x conversion, Holmes 2x conversion)
Australia 5 (Duck try)
