Australia scrape by in appalling conditions.

Australia won the ANZAC Test 12-8 at the opening of AAMI Park, but had the weather conditions been kinder the game could have been a lot more exciting.

The new rectangular purpose built stadium looked great at its opening match, and will suit the Melbourne Storm and future internationals played at the ground. Credit must go to the ground staff, for not only producing a carpet like pitch in the first place, but to be able to maintain the surface in horrible conditions.

In my opinion the weather conditions seemed to have an effect on the match. There were more knock ons and errors than I would have expected to see, but they were from both sides which was testament to New Zealand who underperformed in last season's Four Nations.

But don't let that suggest New Zealand were the better side. It would have been nice to see them win, but their first half attacking play was woeful. They were too flat on Australia's line, and I feel Benji Marshall could have done better to organise his team in such a scenario.

That said, New Zealand had their chances but they didn't have many. For most of the first half Australia seemed to make better use of possession, and under performed in that they should have gone into half time 12 or 18 points ahead. Again, the weather did not suit Australia's style of play. They seemed to think they were the 'Australian Globetrotters' and insisted on offloading the ball in unbelievable situations with a great degree of difficulty. It was justice in a way that they did have the lead at half time, but it should have been more.

But by the end of the game it was only two missed conversions that cost New Zealand the game, with both teams scoring two tries apiece. A credit to the Kiwis, but they must know they have a long way to go before they can match Australia in dryer conditions. They picked up the pace in the final twenty minutes, but playing well for that amount of time is not good enough at international level.

I look forward to the Four Nations, when both teams will undoubtedly be playing in conditions at the height of the southern hemisphere spring when both teams can open the taps a bit more, and play better free flowing rugby league.