Black Ferns beat Wallaroos 66-19 in Wallaroos' 100th Test in Auckland

New Zealand's Black Ferns defeated Australia's Wallaroos 66-19 at Auckland's Go Media Stadium on Saturday in the Wallaroos' 100th Test match.

Australia had been seeking their first victory over New Zealand since their opening encounter in 1994 and introduced sevens star Maddison Levi on debut in the 15-a-side game, but errors and penalties undermined their effort. Levi, described in the report as Australia’s leading sevens try-scorer, entered the match in the 51st minute.

New Zealand opened strongly, scoring four unanswered tries early in the contest. Australia lost lock Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu to a yellow card during the period, and flyhalf Waiaria Ellis produced a long lofted pass to winger Desiree Miller to cut the margin to 26-7 at half-time.

The second half saw Australia continue to struggle with discipline and the Black Ferns crossed the line five times in succession. Teenage debutant Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a scored after pouncing on a charge-down in the 63rd minute.

Levi showed some positive moments after coming on, helping to regain possession on several occasions and collecting five from five restarts, but the report noted she “struggled to make her time on the ball count.”

Australia added two late tries: Ellis broke through after a dummy, and Brittany Merlo finished from a rolling maul with seven minutes remaining. Amarante Sititi then scored to complete the scoring and secure the O’Reilly Cup for the Black Ferns.

Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona told Sky Sports NZ: "We knew they [debutants Levi and Pia Tapsell] were going to bring impact, and they did exactly that. They should be proud of the debut they were able to come out and do," and added, "We’re definitely not pleased with our performance. It’s not a way that we want to represent our historic 100th Test match. "A lot is happening behind the scenes in terms of movement in coaching staff and then personnel."

Australia will next compete in the WXV Global Series in September, where they are scheduled to face reigning world champions England, world No 4 France and seventh-ranked Scotland.