Jillaroos trump NZ in first nines game

The Jillaroos have upset the Kiwi Ferns 20-4 in the first of their three-match rugby league nines series at Eden Park.

Considered underdogs for the encounter, the Australians ran in four tries to one in an intelligent display, keeping the Kiwis' powerful forward pack at bay.

Up 12-0 at the break, the Australians were pegged back when Amber Kani broke the line to score, but a scorcher from Chelsea Baker restored the two-try buffer.

A final try from Allana Ferguson on the right edge then settled the result.

A victory in one of Sunday's final two games will give the Australians a maiden series triumph.

"We just had a different game plan this year and it must have helped us," Jillaroos ace Kezie Apps said.

"Our defence is key. We'll have to hold them out and then try to wear them out through the middle and score around them."