The Wallaroos need to change their mindset to make a dent on the Black Ferns ahead of their second Test in Auckland next Saturday, according to coach Dwayne Nestor.
The Wallaroos were outclassed by the world champions 47-10 in Perth but get a chance to make amends in another double header at Eden Park before the men’s match.
In what was the Black Ferns’ 18th straight win over Australia, they set up the win with a 22-0 halftime lead.
Wallaroos winger Lori Cramer scored twice in the second half but the Kiwis kicked away with another four tries.
Nestor said his team allowed themselves to be “bullied” by the world No.1 side.
“We have to get over the fact that we haven’t beaten them,” he said.
“I think the girls are allowed to do certain things in club rugby which they get away with but then when you go and play a team like the Black Ferns, you don’t get away with those things.
“It’s almost like they sit back and let it happen and I think it’s a mindset we need to help create.”
The Wallaroos’ let themselves down with poor ball security and a wobbly lineout – losing six of their own throws.
Wallaroos skipper Grace Hamilton said the loss hurt and vowed they would be better in the return leg.
Despite the scoreline No.8 Hamilton again starred, finishing with 15 carries which was twice as many as her try-scoring Black Ferns opposite Charmaine McMenamin.
“It’s disappointing but for us I think the biggest thing is we learn from this and we fire into next week,” Hamilton said.
“Defensively we didn’t value the ball enough when we had it and we turned it over easily.
“We need to value that ball because that is the way we get momentum.
“We need to improve but we have it in us and I know we can be better than that.