The All Blacks have taken first blood in the Bledisloe Cup series, extending their unbeaten run at Eden Park to 45 games.
The men in black did what was required to secure a 1-0 lead after defeating the Wallabies 33-25 in Auckland.
A blitz post half-time ultimately sunk Australia, with three tries in 13 minutes being enough to secure the win.
However, the All Blacks had to weather a late charge from the inexperienced Wallabies despite being in control for the majority of a mundane match.
Australia began to press in the second half, worrying the Kiwi defence with some sharp ball movement. Yet, the game turned when Richie Mo’unga intercepted a Wallabies pass and ran 70-metres to put the ball down under the posts.
The All Blacks coasted out to a 33-8 lead with around 15 minutes to go before the Wallabies ran in three tries to improve the final score.
Australia should carry plenty of confidence into the second Test after finishing strong at a ground at which they haven’t won for 35 years.
However, the All Blacks will fancy their chances of a 2-0 series lead when they line up for the second game of the series - also at Eden Park - before packing their bags for a long stint in Australia.
The second game of the series will take place at Eden Park on Saturday, August 14.