The Wheel Blacks had a tough start to their five-test international wheelchair rugby series after being thumped 53-40 by world number one Australia in Christchurch.
Initial nerves form the home side on Friday meant the Australians were able to get a 10-point lead by halftime, 26-16 and the Wheel Blacks were never able to come back from it.
The Wheel Blacks did not struggle physically, however let themselves down with Nat Manville, Hayden Barton-Cootes and Clayton Utia all having time on the sideline for offences.
Strong games from Paralympic Games swimming gold medallist Cameron Leslie and Barton-Cootes were positives to come out of the loss and the side will look to improve in the remaining matches over the weekend.
Read more: Tough start for Wheel Blacks against world number one