Australian maintained their dominance of New Zealand with an authoritative 28-12 win in the rugby league Centenary Test at the SCG here Friday.

The Kiwis might have won the first clash between the teams 100 years ago, but the current gulf between the sides was emphasised as the home side put the result doubt in just over 20 minutes of brilliant rugby at the start of the match.

Four early tries, including a classic to Mark Gasnier to open the game, set up the win, which was Australia's eight in their past nine clashes with the New Zealanders.

However, the Kiwis could take great credit for fighting back just when a repeat of their 58-0 loss in their previous Test looked to be on the cards in front of 34,571 fans.

They dominated possession from that point on, led by the brilliant Sonny Bill Williams, and outscored the home side for the remainder of the match.

They could easily have scored more tries, but outstanding defence by Ricky Stuart's Australians denied them on several occasions.

In fact, the Kiwis seemed quite buoyant as they left the field at the end of the match, ending it in style through their second try of the half, to Sam Perrett, in the dying seconds.

It was an encouraging first outing under new coach Stephen Kearney.

Australia's first try was memorable, with a Johnathan Thurston high kick bouncing off the hands of Greg Inglis.

However, Inglis took the ball at the second attempt as he sailed horizontally over the dead-ball line, and he instinctively flicked it back over his head to a surprised Gasnier.

Gasnier added a second in the 14th minute, before Paul Gallen and Cameron Smith both crossed to put Australia 22-0 up after 22 minutes.

AFP

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