The Test series was broadcast into Australia via the Seven Network with commentary provided by Graeme Hughes, Graham Lowe and John Monie with recently retired former Australian dual-rugby international Michael O'Connor the sideline reporter.
The captaincy for the first test fell to Meninga's Canberra Raiders team mate and New South Wales captain Laurie Daley.
The Kiwis, coached by Howie Tamati and captained by Gary Freeman had lost their 1992 home series against the touring Great Britain Lions.
The Kiwis were captained by veteran halfback Gary Freeman, but would be without goal kicking dual-rugby international fullback Matthew Ridge who had suffered a season ending knee injury playing for the Bob Fulton coached Manly-Warringah in a Winfield Cup game with coach Howie Tamati handing the #1 jumper to Balmain's utility back Morvin Edwards.
The only change made by New Zealand coach Howie Tamati was promoting Tony Kemp to start at 5/8 with Tea Ropati dropping to the bench.
The overflow crowd of 19,500 were allowed onto the speedway track (a blunder by the organisers who actually sold more tickets than the venue was licensed to hold), and close to the pitch.
Scoring three times themselves, the Kangaroos kept their line intact to run out 16-4 winners and send retiring forward Bob Lindner out on a winning note.