Using it's height advantage in attack and defence, the Rest of the World side shut down the New Zealand offence while hitting the target themselves for a 17-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Rest of the World shooters Bonnie Macrae and Ann-Maree Mitchell shared the workload beneath the goal taking advantage of good work and supply from the mid-court.

Defenders Stephanie Smith and Natalie Hobbs were frugal, refusing to give up any easy goals to kiwi shooters Terri Woodhouse and Stacey Pakeho.

However, in a match commemorating such an important day in New Zealand history, there was no way the New Zealand side would lie down and surrender.

As the sun bore down on Wellington Oval the New Zealanders turned up the heat on the Rest of the World.

Unable to match their opponents in the height department, the New Zealander players hustled and scrapped their way back into the contest.

Rising stars Joeline Haupini, Harlee Herbet and Mikee Hakopa pressed hard and took time away from the Rest of the World's more experienced players across the court.

Nothing separated the two teams for the next two quarters as Pakeho and Woodhouse found their range and Chanoa Patuwai made some crucial defence stops for the New Zealand side.

Heading into the final quarter, the Rest of the World held the upper hand 33-23 due largely to the side's strong opening to the game.

After expending so much energy and effort in the desperate bid to fight back, the New Zealand side appeared to be running out of fuel down the stretch.

Rest of the World centre Mardi Greifhahn along with experienced wingers Bronwyn Wigg and Barbara Baker controlled the tempo and created plenty of chances for their shooters.