It was as methodical as it was uninspiring. Australia managed to restore regular order by ending a two-year drought against the Kiwis, but Mal Meninga's first game as coach left more questions than answers. 
The Kiwis came into the game as the No.1 team in the world, having not lost to Australia in their previous three meetings. And despite the Kangaroos bucking the trend on Friday night in Newcastle, it was the severely depleted New Zealanders who gave a better account of themselves than the near full-strength Kangaroos outfit.
Australia's mediocre performance prompted former NSW Origin coach Phil Gould to raise concerns over the ageing team's ability to win next year's World Cup. "Australia have been professional but unimpressive," Gould said during Channel Nine's broadcast. "They can't possibly be thinking this is the side for the world cup at the end of next year. Don't get me wrong, they have all been excellent players - but there comes a time."
Semi Radradra's Test debut for Australia didn't go entirely to script, with the Parramatta winger sent to the sin bin for a professional foul just six minutes into the contest after pushing Kevin Proctor off course while attempting to ground a Shaun Johnson grubber. But it did little to tip the scales against the Aussies who, despite struggling for fluency, rarely looked troubled against the second-string Kiwis side in front of a crowd of 27,724 at Hunter Stadium.
With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck nursing a season-ending knee injury, Kieran Foran taking time away from the game with personal problems and Issac Luke overlooked, Shaun Johnson was the only constant in a weakened spine.
Unfortunately for Stephen Kearney's men, no grit or commitment could make up for the lack of quality at their disposal. The decision to leave out Luke backfired, with the Kiwis rarely troubling the mobile Australian pack through the middle.
But by no means were the Australians fluent. They look disjointed in attack for the most of the match, but the Kiwis' inability to ask questions of the Kangaroos' defence ensured the home side didn't have to do too much with the ball to register their first victory since the corresponding game in 2014.
With Radradra in the bin, the visitors were unable to capitalise on the extra man and were soon down 4-0 when Darius Boyd powered his way over. Thurston extended the lead to six with a penalty goal, before Greg Inglis grabbed the Kangaroos' second try of the night for a 10-0 lead at the break.
A penalty against Sam Moa for a late tackle on Thurston gifted the Kangaroos another two points, before Blake Ferguson put the result beyond doubt with a try on debut just before full-time.
New Zealand prop Adam Blair was put on report for attempting a "chicken wing" tackle on Broncos teammate Sam Thaiday.
AUSTRALIA 16 (D Boyd B Ferguson G Inglis tries C Smith J Thurston goals) bt NEW ZEALAND 0 at Hunter Stadium. Referee: Gerard Sutton. Crowd: 27,724