The New Zealand men's hockey team were brought back to Earth when they were on the end of a 6-1 hiding by Australia in Cairns last night.
Shane McLeod's side went into the three-match series on a high after winning the recent Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia but were well beaten by the world champions.
The Blacks Sticks trailed 2-1 at halftime with Nick Wilson scoring for New Zealand.
The second test is in Cairns tonight.
Australia 6, NZ 1. Half time: 2-1.
