AFL: Successful start for NZ

New Zealand made a successful start to their bid to reclaim the Australian Rules' International Cup. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand made a successful start to their bid to reclaim the Australian Rules' International Cup by blanking Sweden and India yesterday.

New Zealand, runners-up to Papua New Guinea when the Cup was last held in 2008, were the only side not to concede a point of day one of the 18-team tournament.

The tournament's winners in 2005 opened with a 41-0 defeat of the Scandinavians and then put on a more polished performance to drub India 94-0. They kicked 21 goals to top the list of fellow unbeaten teams 2002 champions Ireland, PNG, South Africa, USA, and Nauru.

New Zealand's next match is against Great Britain on Wednesday. PNG and New Zealand are expected to meet in a rematch of the 2008 decider when the Cup final is held on August 27 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

- NZPA