Australia won their rematch against New Zealand in the World Cup final with a hard-fought victory in Townsville on Saturday night.
The 16-10 victory proved a much closer affair than the World Cup final the Jillaroos won this time last year 54-4.
Australian fullback and Dally M medalist Tamika Upton scored the opener in the fifth minute, but the Kiwi Ferns fought back.
Winger Annessa Biddle headed a goal wide, but Raecene McGregor failed to convert to lock up the scores.
The Jillaroos then went through when Caitlan Johnston burst through before Upton got her brace in the 32nd minute.
New Zealand center Mele Hufanga scored the first try of the second half to reduce the gap to six points, setting up a finish in the stands.
But the visitors failed to equalize and when Biddle was taken off just before full time, it was all over.
Upton almost completed his hat trick in the second half, but had to settle for Australia’s 15th consecutive victory.
“It’s 15 in a row for the Jillaroos, the 2022 World Cup champions begin their international season a year later with a victory against their World Cup victims,” Matt Russell said on Fox League.
