Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee scored two tries on her Test debut as New Zealand opened their Pacific Four Series campaign with a 38-12 win over Australia.
The Black Ferns took charge with Ayesha Leti-I’iga scoring two tries in Newcastle before 18-year-old full-back Sorensen-McGee claimed her opening score.
That gave the visitors a 19-0 lead at half-time, which they soon extended with a try from Chryss Viliko right after the break.
The Wallaroos gave themselves hope of a fightback with Eva Karpani and Ashley Marsters both getting over to cut the score to 26-12.
But late tries from Sylvia Brunt and Sorensen-McGee ensured that the six-time world champions claimed a 28th straight Test win over their trans-Tasman rivals.
Reigning champions Canada kicked off this year’s Pacific Four Series with a 26-14 win over the United States last week and will visit Christchurch to face New Zealand next Saturday.
Sorensen-McGee graduated to Auckland’s Super Rugby Aupiki squad this year and helped the Blues retain their title.
She will hope to be selected for this year’s World Cup in England from 22 August-27 September, when New Zealand will aim to claim a third straight title.
