The Wallaroos rallied in the second half against women's rugby world champions New Zealand before losing 22-16 in the second trans-Tasman Test in Canberra.

A try to outstanding No.8 Debby Hodgkinson and a conversion from five-eighth Alana Thomas in the opening minute of the second half catapulted the Australians into a 10-8 lead in the series finale at Viking Park.

The Black Ferns had won all nine previous Tests against the Wallaroos, including a decisive 37-3 result in Canberra last Tuesday night.

The closest result until Saturday afternoon was an 11-point margin to the Kiwis in Wanganui last year.

However, Australia's ultimate ambition of toppling the Black Ferns was eventually snuffed out by two unanswered tries from the visitors.

Six minutes after Hodgkinson had raised the hopes of a 1200-strong crowd that history was in the making for Australians, the New Zealanders stole back the lead with a try through outside centre Huriana Manuel.

Another midway through the second stanza to hooker Fiaoo Faamausili, and two conversions from fullback Hannah Port, pushed the Black Ferns into a buffer zone that an additional two second half penalty goals from Thomas was unable to overcome.

Thomas produced a sound general kicking game on top of her contribution of a conversion and three penalty goals; Hodgkinson was a standout along with fellow backrower Selena Tranter; and rookie winger Nicole Beck unfurled a performance on the wing that suggests her Wallaroos career will be lengthy.

The Black Ferns led 8-3 at halftime after a try to left winger Carla Hohepa and a penalty goal to Port. Thomas landed a penalty for the Wallaroos.

Wallaroos coach Steve Hamson said his team's commitment couldn't be questioned.

"On Tuesday night we probably played for half an hour," he said.

"In this one we were in there for the whole 80 minutes.

"I guess where it hurts is that we got so close and if you're close enough you're good enough.

"We just couldn't quite get it over the line."

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