There was plenty of pace, but little fluency as Australia stuttered to a 50-44 win over the Silver Ferns in Tuesday's first Constellation Cup Test in Christchurch.
Two months on from the Diamonds' 58-55 World Cup win, both teams had made changes but some things stayed the same.
Australia's uncompromising defence was ever-present, pressuring every pass, and the customary Diamonds' speed in attack didn't miss a beat.
But coach Lisa Alexander was quick to admit her team hadn't been as efficient as she would have liked in converting turnover ball into goals.
"I think we threw a lot of ball away today - that was wasted opportunities," she said.
"We could have won by more."
But while Alexander saw room for improvement in her team's transition out of defence, which she described as occasionally sloppy and indecisive, there was still plenty to be happy about.
"I'm pleased with Natalie Medhurst's performance tonight - I thought she was masterly in goal attack.
"She controlled that whole end so well."
Paige Hadley stepped up to fill the gap at wing attack after Kim Green's retirement, while Sharni Layton slotted in for Julie Corletto at goal defence smoothly.
And Gabi Simpson made a solid fist of her debut for Australia at wing defence after injury forced Renae Ingles from the court midway through the second quarter.
The Silver Ferns had a more settled line-up, but the absence of goal attack Maria Tutaia - on an extended sabbatical - was sorely felt.
Coach Waimarama Taumaunu said the Silver Ferns made too many mistakes to be able to push the world champions.
"There were too many errors," she said.
"In the end, we didn't get enough ball and we threw too much away.
"I was pretty pleased with a couple of things. I thought Bailey Mes stood up tonight, and I think she keeps growing.
"But again, we need to do something about a very talented Australian shooting end."
Ahead 14-13 after 15 minutes, the Australians looked set to run away with the second spell but the Kiwis were still in touch at halftime, trailing 26-22.
Katrina Grant replaced Leana de Bruin at goal defence, and combined well with skipper Casey Kopua in slowing the Diamonds' ball speed inside the circle.
Ahead 40-34 at the three-quarter mark, the Australians worked hard through the final 15 minutes to shut out the win as the Kiwis matched them goal for goal.
The second match of the four-Test series is on Thursday in Auckland.
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