For the first time since 2008, saw Australia and New Zealand face off in an international test match in Australia and for the first time at Homebush.

The early stages of the Australian Wallaroos versus New Zealand Black Ferns saw an even contest in the opening exchanges.

Resolute defence from both sides during the first 10 minutes kept both teams scoreless.

A mistake by Australia ten metres out from their own line soon after saw New Zealand capitalised and in the 11th minute after several phases of play New Zealand scrum half Kendra Cocksedge went over near the posts.

Extras were added for a 7-0 lead.

The match then ebbed and flowed from one end to the other with even possession until a great run by Wallaroos fullback Mahalia Murphy saw Australia exert great pressure and a penalty ensued, with Emily Robinson putting the ball between the posts in the 20th minute and the score went to 7-3.

Australia were enterprising in their play over the next seven minutes, while New Zealand were  bustled into uncharacteristic errors with Australia’s defence testing their resolve.

Black Ferns skipper Fiao’o Faamausili scored down the blindside after good lead-up work by her left winger Alena Saili, who ran through her opposite number Mhicca Carter before offloading for the try for a 12-0 lead.

With Australia’s number 8 Grace Hamilton yellow carded in the 32nd minute New Zealand were soon back in Australia’s territory for the next five minutes before Australia’s scrum was back pedalling, but somehow Australia’s scrum half Cobie-Jane Morgan retrieved the ball and put through a great relieving kick 10 metres into New Zealand territory.

After the halftime siren had sounded, but with the ball still in play, Australia were caught napping, when crafty New Zealand scrum half Cocksedge took off 20 metres out from Australia’s line after being awarded a penalty.

She was tackled five metres out.

A series of pick and goes by New Zealand’s forwards saw another try for the Black Ferns and with the extras added, they went into the break, up 19-3.

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