Chris Wood of New Zealand flicks a header towards goal against Australia. Photo: Photosport
The mis-firing All Whites have been outclassed 2-0 by Australia in a one-sided men's friendly international in London on Wednesday.
The Socceroos dominated most of the contest in front of a crowd of 5761 at the Premier League club Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium and could have won by more than their goals in each half to Harry Souttar and Jackson Irvine.
The teams were contesting the Soccer Ashes Trophy - which was first played for 100 years ago but hasn't been up for grabs since 1958.
The 104th-ranked New Zealand began with bright intentions but struggled for creativitiy against their 27th-ranked opponents, who were fluent and confident, having pushed England close in a 1-0 loss at Wembley days earlier.
Nando Pijnaker of New Zealand is challenged by Mitchell Duke of Australia. Photo: Photosport
Australia secured first blood through a goal credited to centre back Souttar, after striker Mitch Duke's shot was deflected.
The Socceroos took command for the remainder of the first half, creating chances several chances and finding the net through Martin Boyle before the goal was ruled out for offside.
New Zealand's best chance came on the half-hour when Chris Wood's angled header was saved by Matt Ryan in one of the few times the Nottingham Forest striker found himself on goal.
Australian captain Mat Ryan with the Soccer Ashes Trophy. Photo: Photosport
Australia set up rifling shots for Boyle and Connor Metcalfe midway through the second spell which were both saved by Michael Woud.
The lead was doubled when substitute Irvine headed home directly from a header, having got in front of Michael Boxall.
Martin Boyle of Australia takes a corner as he is shouted at by New Zealand fans. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley made four changes to his team that needed a late Wood penalty to draw 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Spain last week.
Woud replaced goalkeeper Nik Tzanev while right back Niko Kirwan and striker Ben Waine made way for Bill Tuiloma and Ben Waine respectively.
Another key change up front was forced by a calf injury to Sarpreet Singh, who was replaced by Matt Garbett.
Singh's creativity had been impressive against DRC.
New Zealand's winless run against Australia extends to 23 years, having lost both matches in a double-header last year - 1-0 in Brisbane and 2-0 in Auckland.
- RNZ
