A serious case of stage fright struck the New Zealand women's football team as it was outclassed 3-0 by Australia at North Harbour Stadium on Wednesday night.
Playing their first home match in two years, the Football Ferns hardly fired a shot and struggled to contain Australia's experienced elusive strikers.
Australia's victory extended its winning steak to 19 matches - dating back to 1994.
New Zealand coach John Herdman was emotional post-match.
"In the first half it was like women against girls to be honest," he said.
"I very rarely get angry with this team but at half time it was one of the most frustrated I've been.
"We weren't first to anything tonight."
His concerns were compounded by the loss of captain Hayley Moorwood who received two yellow cards – both in the second spell and the final yellow with 30 seconds remaining – meaning she will serve a one-match suspension and miss Saturday's match at Bill McKinley Park.
"Her first booking was for an innocuous push. It was a strange and we were confused."
He was blunt when asked what he made of his side's performance.
"Mentally tonight we did not turn up.
"We were desperate to do well with a home crowd.
"Maybe the girls froze playing in front of their friends and family for the first time in a long time.
"There will be a different look to the team on Saturday."
In surprise move, Herdman benched Oceania Football Confederation Under-20 gold boot Rosie White, who scored nine goals in three matches in the January tournament, instead opting to hand 17-year-old striker Hannah Wilkinson her debut.
He had mixed feelings about the selection, but hinted at a change for the second match.
"Rosie doesn't have the same pace as Hannah and I think in the first 10 minutes you saw her threaten, but then it died away.
"When Rosie came in she was a real shining light."
Australian coach Tom Sermanni agreed.
"Rosie caught my eye when she came on. She looks a real talent," he said.
Wilkinson's raw pace exposed the Australian defence early when she scampered into the penalty box. With space in front of her she prematurely fired a shot which was easily taken by Matildas goalie Melissa Barbieri and Wilkinson seemed to lose her confidence.
White was not introduced until the 56 minute.
Herdman said Annalie Longo and White were a 'definite possibility' to start game two.
Ali Riley, New Zealand's first United Sates women professional football player, returns home this week and will slot straight into fullback to give the Kiwis a major boost.
Australia's last international was against Italy in January 2009.
Sermanni said he was delighted by the way his squad, which boasted four professional players, had come together.
“We looked sharp and have got the luxury of genuine pace upfront which causes any defence problems.”
He said US-based players Lisa de Vanna, Washington, and Sarah Walsh, Boston, led from the front.
New Zealand goalie Jenny Bindon was its best on the night with a number of exceptional saves.
Australia 3 (Sarah Walsh 23, 53 , Lisa de Vanna 84) New Zealand 0.
HT: 1-0.