The Kiwi Ferns have kicked off their Rugby League World Cup campaign in style, defeating France 46-0 in York.
In their opening match of the tournament, New Zealand ran in nine tries without conceding to set the standard in Group B.
Try doubles to Roxy Murdoch-Masila and Katelyn Vaha'akolo led the scoring for New Zealand, as halfback and reigning women's Dally M medallist Raecene McGregor stood out with three try assists.
After taking more than 20 minutes to open the scoring through winger Madison Bartlett, the floodgates opened for the Kiwi Ferns, who overcame their early nerves in style.
Fullback Apii Nicholls, and forwards Amber Hall and Murdoch-Masila scored three further tries in the first half for the Kiwi Ferns, giving New Zealand a 20-0 halftime lead.
Winger Vaha'akolo grabbed a second-half double, while centre Page McGregor and a second for Murdoch-Masila all but sealed New Zealand's win.
Up 40-0 on the scoreboard, centre Shanice Parker sealed the victory with a length of the field special, running from her own tryline to dot down and score under the posts to ignite the Kiwi Ferns' campaign in style.
Victory sends the Kiwi Ferns top of Group B for the time being, although Australia has the chance to take the lead when they face the Cook Islands on Thursday morning.
"Bit of a slow start for us, but give credit to the French team who came out and put it on us," said Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry.
"[I'm] really pleased with the effort, but we have got a lot of improvement in us."
New Zealand 46 (Bartlett, Nicholls, Hall, Murdoch-Masila 2, Vaha'akolo 2, P.McGregor, Parker tries; Clark 4, Nicholls conversions) France 0
