Australia's experienced halves combination has led the Kangaroos to a 32-16 win over New Zealand in the Anzac Test, but the depleted Kiwis showed they would be a formidable outfit for the end-of-season Tri-Nations tournament.

Australian pair Darren Lockyer and Brett Kimmorley were always going to have the upper hand over rival halves Benji Marshall, who played solidly in his Test debut, and Thomas Leuluai.

However the Kiwis were certainly not disgraced in front of a 40,000-strong crowd at Suncorp Stadium, scoring three tries to Australia's six but butchering several opportunities.

The visitors were missing a stack of top-shelf players, including Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Galuvao and Tony Puletua, but they seriously challenged the Australians who were far too classy and experienced.

With those players on deck, New Zealand could pose a big threat to Australia's dominance when the sides next meet - in a Tri-Nations match at Melbourne in October.

"It's always frustrating to lose but it was a great experience for me," said Marshall.

"I could've shown more maturity in directing the side around the park but I've only played 15 (NRL) games so I'm hoping to do better next time.

"We showed glimpses of what we can do if we hold the ball. There's no excuses but we're a young team and we have plenty to look forward to in the future."

League officials will be stoked with the attendance of 40,317 - the biggest crowd for a trans-Tasman Test in Australia since 1963 when 48,330 watched Australia beat New Zealand 7-3 in Sydney.

The Kiwis will rue plenty of missed chances. Prop Paul Rauhihi was caught centimetres short of the line in the 13th minute when his side trailed 6-0 following a try to Matt Sing (9m).

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