Australia repelled a second-half onslaught by New Zealand Maori to get their 2001 campaign off to a winning start with a 41-29 victory in a thrilling game at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The Wallabies outscored the Maori five tries to two but were never out of danger until the final minute when debutant Graeme Bond crossed under the posts to put the game out of reach.
While it may not have been granted Test match status, it gave Australia the solid hit out they needed and coach Rod Macqueen plenty to ponder before the first Test against the Lions on June 30.

The Maori had not lost in seven years and after trailing 21-16 at the break dug deep into their reserves in the second half and seriously threatened the Australians who had not played together since losing to England at Twickenham last November.

Maori fullback Carlos Spencer responded to Steve Larkham's 60th minute intercept try with his second touchdown of the night, and a conversion and penalty to reserve-fly-half David Hill took the Maori to within two points of the Australians who led 31-29 with only seven minutes to go.

The Maori maintained the pressure but were unable to crack the desperate Wallaby defence for a third time and a penalty to Matthew Burke and Bond's try sealed the victory.
"It was a great lead up for us for the Lions series," Wallabies captain John Eales said after the match.
""We've got a few weeks off now and then it all happens."

Despite some expected rustiness early, Australia showed enterprise in attack with Daniel Herbert, Andrew Walker and Nick Stiles all scoring in a dazzling first half that produced 37 points.
Walker's try in particular was something special, the fleet-footed winger bamboozling the Maori with his deft footwork to beat a host of defenders in a 30 metre dash to the line.

His try came just a minute after South African referee Jonathan Kaplan disallowed a sensational counter-attacking score to Maori flanker Troy Flavell.

The try was scrubbed for an earlier shoulder charge on Larkham by centre Caleb Ralph, who was subsequently sinbinned.
Fullback Spencer crossed for the first of his two tries shortly before halftime to ensure his team remained within touch.
In the second half, Elton Flatley and Glen Jackson exchanged penalties before Larkham intecepted Hill's pass and Flatley converted to give Australia a 31-19 lead.

Macqueen would have been unhappy with being on the wrong end of an 88-50 rucks and maul count but would have taken heart from the combination between Larkham and new inside centre Flatley who stood at first receiver during various stages of the match.
Toutai Kefu was outstanding and he continually broke the advantage line and his efforts were highlighted by a brilliant ball to Stiles, who also impressed on debut, for his try.

Australia - Tries: Daniel Herbert, Andrew Walker, Nick Stiles, Stephen Larkham, Graeme Bond. Conversions: Elton Flatley 4, Matthew Burke. Penalty goals: Flatley, Burke.
New Zealand Maori - Tries: Carlos Spencer 2. Conversions: Glen Jackson, David Hill. Penalty goals: Jackson 4, Hill.
Crowd: 31,000.
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (Rsa)