There were mixed feelings for the New Zealand netball captain Laura Langman following their 49-48 victory over Australia in Perth.
The Silver Ferns led by 11 goals at one stage, but lost their lead briefly in the last quarter.
Maria Tutaia's goal in the final minute gave the Ferns the lead before a turnover off the restart ensured the visitors took a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-five Constellation Cup series.
The result was a reversal of the final of this year's World Championships.
Langman was pleased with her side's spirit but warned her side had plenty of improvement within them.
She says they were so intense in the first half and they need to look at how they're going to be able to come off a break and stay that intense.
The next game is in Adelaide on Wednesday.