Black Ferns: 37 (Portia Woodman-Wickliffe 3, Ruahei Demant, Jorja Miller, Sylvia Brunt, Ruby Tui tries; Renee Holmes con) Australia: 12 (Charlotte Caslick, Lydia Kavoa tries; Faitala Moleka con) HT: 10-7
Woodman-Wickliffe scored in the opening minute. A quartet of quick passes exposed Australia on the edge, with Jorja Miller setting up Woodman-Wickliffe, who pushed aside the last defender.
Australia quickly regrouped, and Sevens superstar Charlotte Caslick crossed for a try in the fourth minute, swinging around the corner from a lineout as the Wallaroos prepared to launch a drive.
In the opening quarter, the visitors controlled two-thirds of the possession, genuinely challenging the Black Ferns with their direct and combative style. No. 8 Tabua Tuinakauvadra carried the ball vigorously, while veteran Ashley Marsters never shied away from the physical exchanges.
In the 33rd minute, Woodman-Wickliffe scored her second try by again exploiting the right side, with Renee Holmes sending her clear.
With a 10-7 lead at halftime, New Zealand initially opted for a tighter approach in the second half. The tide turned for Australia in the 46th minute when first-five Ruahei Demant pinnballed through several tackles to score.
World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Jorja Miller has transitioned to fifteens seamlessly. After industrious lock Chelsea Bremner was held up, Miller caught a dropout and powered through three tackles in a remarkable 40-metre surge.
Australia's resistance faded thereafter. Sylvia Brunt, with 17 carries for 82 meters, was dominant, and Ruby Tui chased down an Iritana Hohaia kick, scoring with ease. Hohaia made a lively impact from the bench, along with Kelly Brazier, who played her first test since 2021, and her 42nd overall. The Bremner sisters, Chelsea and Alana, won 10 lineouts and made a total of 23 tackles.
Despite Australia getting the final word with a try from tenacious Lydia Kavoa, the Wallaroos have never beaten the Black Ferns in 29 tests.
Miller was sensational, jointly topping the tackle count with hooker Georgia Ponsonby (18 tackles), while also bringing a new verve to the Black Ferns' attack.
Woodman-Wickliffe (48 tries, in 27 Tests) and left winger Katelyn Vahaakolo combined for a mammoth 266 meters. New Zealand won 11 of 12 lineouts and missed only 10 of 156 tackles.
However, their goal-kicking was poor, with just one successful conversion out of seven attempts, while Australia showed slightly better discipline.
The Black Ferns next assignment is the defence of their Rugby World Cup title in England in August and September.