The Kiwi Ferns have been outdone by Australia once again, going down 16-10 in the Pacific Championships opener in Townsville.
Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton was superb on test debut crossing over twice in a player of the match performance. It was a stark improvement for New Zealand after losing to Australia 54-4 in the World Cup final 11 months ago.
Upton opened the scoring in just the fourth minute to take Australia out to a 6-0 lead before Annessa Biddle responded for the Kiwi Ferns, cutting the lead by two.
Australia crossed over twice more before the break through Caitlan Johnston and Upton again to take a commanding 16-4 lead into the break. New Zealand hit back once again shortly after halftime when Mele Hufanga broke through.
Trailing by six points with just a minute to play, New Zealand’s comeback hopes were dented when Biddle was sent to the bin for a lifting tackle.
