Australia came out firing while the Ice Blacks allowed their opponents to get early goals and dominate the first period.
Australia led 4-1 at the first break and went on to beat the Ice Blacks 8-2 at the Dunedin Ice Stadium last night as the home side was taught a lesson in skills and teamwork.
Australia had six imports in its team and their superior skills and stickwork opened up the defence and left the Ice Blacks groping for the puck.
Australia played a controlled game and let the speed of the puck break the defence and create scoring opportunities.
Jacques Perreault and Scott Levitt mesmerised the defence as they cut swathes through the brittle Ice Blacks defence in the first two periods.
New Zealand head coach Andreas Kaisser admired the skills of the Australians.
"They have six foreigners in their team and their individual skills were a good test for us," he said.
Two years ago at the Winter Games, Australia won the first game by the same score and New Zealand came back to square the rubber with a 5-4 win in the second game and win the series with a 2-0 win in the shoot-out.
"We will never give up hope," Kaisser said. "But it will be harder this time because Australia has a better team than two years ago."
There was an improvement by the Ice Blacks as the game progressed and this was demonstrated in the third period when they had 13 shots at goal compared to only six in the first two periods.
It was only the brilliance of the Australian goaltender Matthew Ezzy that restricted New Zealand to one goal in this period. He made 25 saves throughout the game.
New Zealand goaltender Zac Nothling was left floundering by the Australian onslaught in the first period but he came into his own in the final period when he made 10 brilliant saves.
Australia made a blistering assault on the New Zealand goal and led 4-1 after the first of the three periods.
The first goal came in the first minute when Scott Stephenson goaled after an attack up the right flank.
It was a goal-scoring bonanza at this stage because Josh Hay netted for the Ice Blacks a minute later.
But that was the only time New Zealand looked like scoring in the first period against an Australian combination in dominant mood.
The stickwork of the Australians was impressive and they were able to open up the New Zealand defence and head toward the net.
Scott Corbett had an outstanding first period and he shocked the first line of defence and opened up scoring opportunities.
Australia added to its grip on the game in the second period and added three more goals to take a 7-1 lead.
There were some good moments for the Ice Blacks, with Chris Endean and Braden Lee looking likely on attack and having early shots at goal.
• Australia (Scott Stephenson, Scott Levitt, Peter Cartwright (2), Jason Baclig, Brian Bales, Dean Peterson, Scott Corbett), 8, New Zealand (Josh Hay, Jordan Challis) 2.
