The Wallaroos are still winless against New Zealand but earned back some respect with a much-improved performance at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
The Australian women fell to a 22-14 defeat - their 22nd in succession - but at least showed some spirit to rally after their 52-5 thrashing in the first O'Reilly Cup Test in Christchurch last Saturday.
Blindside flanker Emily Chancellor and recalled No.8 Grace Hamilton were workhorses in defence for the home side while exciting young winger Bienne Terita scored two tries on debut.
In their last hit-out before the October Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where they have been drawn to meet the hosts in the first round, the Wallaroos got off to a strong start to lead 7-0.
Making her 15-a-side Test debut, 19-year-old Terita - a member of the World Series-winning Sevens squad - opened the scoring.
She needed a second chance, spilling a Georgie Friedrichs pass over the tryline but the Australians again worked the ball wide and this time Terita made no mistake.
The Black Ferns lost centre Chelsea Semple, who was knocked out trying to tackle prop Liz Patu and was also yellow-carded for the head contact, leaving her team a player down.
Australia were unable to take advantage with New Zealand booting a penalty and then taking a 15-7 lead into half-time after hooker Luka Connor crashed over after a 10-phase build-up.
While the Wallaroos looked dangerous with ball in hand they struggled to get any possession or territory in the second half.
Despite some valiant defence the Kiwis crossed twice, through lock Joanah Ngan-Woo and then flanker Kendra Reynolds to extend the lead to 22-7.
Showing her Sevens pace Terita split the defence to touch down in the 80th minute to ensure the Australians finished with a bang despite the loss.
