Charles Piutau of New Zealand runs the ball during the Men's Sevens exhibition match between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium. Photo / Getty Images.
Australia have thrashed trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand 35-19 in their one-off Sevens Rugby international at Allianz Stadium today.
With two tournaments left on the World Sevens calendar this year, New Zealand are the No.1 side, with Australia back in sixth place.
However, the locals defied their ranking and led from
start to finish against the heavyweights of rugby's Twenty20 equivalent, running away with the match five tries to three.
A penalty from the first ruck after the kick-off allowed Australia to open their account after just 38 seconds, with Jordan Tuapou producing a big left foot step to cross under the posts.
New Zealand hit back shortly after with Jack Wilson showing great speed down the right touchline, but from there it was all one-way traffic for the Australians wearing lime-green.
