The Wallaroos were thumped by the New Zealand Black Ferns 67-3 in a record-equalling result — Australia's 14th consecutive loss to their trans-Tasman rivals.

The match was a giant step forward for women's rugby in the first double-header with men's Test action.

But for stalwart Burrows, the lingering memory of getting the first red card of her 21-year career will stand out as the moment on the big stage.

Burrows was pinged for two yellow cards — once in the 30th minute for bringing down a rolling maul despite appearing to have the ball and again in the 72nd minute for being in an offside position.

The two yellows resulted in her first red card.

"I'm disappointed, disappointed for the team and for myself," Burrows said.

"It was the first red card I've ever had in my life. In a 21-year career I've only ever had two yellow cards before this and to get two in one game ... Eden Park might not be my favourite place.

"I guess I'll never forget it, I may have a few nightmares tonight, though."

The Wallaroos have now lost 14 games in a row against New Zealand after the 11-try romp and their defeat added another tombstone to the Australian rugby grave in Auckland.

Burrows was confident Australia could use the result as a stepping stone to better performances, despite struggling to match a well-drilled Black Ferns side.

A 31-3 scoreline at half-time gave reason to think this would be the biggest defeat ever between the two nations and that is what prevailed, with Australia's 64-0 loss in 1995 equalled in terms of the final margin.

It was, however, the most points Australia has ever conceded against New Zealand.

In recent matches, the Wallaroos have come within eight, 35, 27 and six points of the Black Ferns but in front of a home crowd the hosts lit up the field with an impressive all-round display, the highlight being fullback Selica Winiata's four tries.

Nonetheless, the match itself was another great occasion to expose the women's game, with thousands of keen onlookers catching at least the second half of the match.

Black Ferns five-eighth Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali had a fine game, controlling the tempo nicely as chief playmaker and even dived over for one of New Zealand's five tries in the second half.

Despite some early front-foot ball from the Australians, New Zealand took four minutes to take an early lead through captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili.

Wallaroos fullback Sarah Riordan was unable to ground the ball in goal, which resulted in Fa'amausili charging through to swoop on a loose ball on the ground.

Australia stayed in the contest with a penalty to captain Ash Hewson to reduce the deficit to four points but that blew back out when Black Ferns inside-centre Chelsea Alley and halfback Kendra Cocksedge crossed in quick succession.

The rise and rise of Australia's women's sevens squad after their Rio success was close to the best thing rugby has got going for it in this country, so it will be interesting to see whether such an investment will be made with the 15-a-side team.

"Obviously we're disappointed but now all of the girls know what it's like to play a Test match and what the standard is," Burrows said.

"It gives us something to build on. Twelve girls made their Test debut today and a lot of us hadn't played a Test in two years. With such a new group, I think we can build from here and that's towards the World Cup in Ireland next year."

The Wallaroos finish their New Zealand tour with another clash against the Black Ferns on Wednesday.

WOMEN'S TEST

NEW ZEALAND 67 (Selica Winiata 4, Fiao'o Fa'amausili 2, Chelsea Alley, Kendra Cocksedge, Eloise Blackwell, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali tries, Cocksedge 4, Kelly Brazier 2 cons) bt AUSTRALIA 3 (Ashleigh Hewson pen).