New Zealand won the first test 3-1 to take an important step in its bid to retain the Transtasman Cup. The remaining two tests will be held on Lake Hayes on Thursday and Saturday.
A feature of yesterday's racing over a 2.5km course on the upper harbour was the performance of the New Zealand University women's crews who dominated their races.
The lightweight quadruple sculls crew of Hannah Duggan, Ellyce Stehlin, Laura Tester and Lisa Owen took control from the start and led by 50m after 1000m, eventually stretching the margin to 90m to finish 40.09sec in front.
The women's eight of Kirsty Thompson, Esther Austin, Kirstie James, Holly Fletcher, Estie De Wet, Rose Crooks, Sarah Lindley, Lauren Clark and cox Heather Scott beat Australia by 48.60sec.
They led by three lengths after 1000m, stretched the margin to five lengths at halfway and then made another move into the finish to win by eight lengths.
The men's eight of Jamie Saunders, Scott Barnsdale, Jordan Stanley, Isaac Grainger, Rob McCaig, James Harvey, Daniel Bates, Logan Rodgers and cox Katie Middleton beat Australia by 35.10sec.
Australia took the early lead but got into trouble in rough water and the New Zealand crew moved past after 800m.
New Zealand led by 30m when the crews emerged out of the harbour basin, increased the lead to 50m at halfway and kept its rhythm over the second half.
The only Australian crew to win yesterday was the men's lightweight four of Stuart Alexander, Jackson Harrison, Sam Hall and Callum Mackenzie from Melbourne University.
They led by 30m out of the harbour basin and had stretched the lead to 50m by halfway and then pulled away over the final 500m to win by 27.69sec.
