The pressure was on the Jillaroos this Pacific Championships following that shock loss to the Kiwi Ferns in the 2023 final, and some controversial selection calls since.
Brad Donald's side responded by going almost the entire series without conceding a point; only a suspect Leianne Tufuga try at CommBank Stadium on Sunday prevented Australia from recording three consecutive clean sheets for the first time.
The Jillaroos won their three games by a combined 122-4 and will face England in Las Vegas in March as their next chance to affirm their status as the international game's finest.
"You always want to train and play like we are number one and I would see us still at number one," co-captain Apps said after the emphatic win over New Zealand.
"We train really hard, we've got really great girls and a really great culture here at the Jillaroos.
"I just feel like we've had a really good preparation this last three to four weeks, everyone's really bought into it. It's been probably the best campaign that I've been a part of."
Tamika Upton was among the scorers as the Jillaroos dominated the Kiwi Ferns. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
On Sunday, the Jillaroos' left edge set the tone for a dominant showing that would have been even more one-sided had Tarryn Aiken landed more than two of five goal attempts.
Halfback Aiken was the Jillaroos' best, sending the final pass for Julia Robinson to score the opening try when Shanice Parker rushed in.Â
When Aiken stepped past Apii Nicholls and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa en route to the tryline 10 minutes after half-time, the Jillaroos were 24 points ahead and looked unlikely to be chased down.
Aiken could have had another try in the shadows of half-time after a chip and chase narrowly cleaned up by Nicholls.
Tamika Upton showcased some of her own brilliant best, cashing in when neither Nicholls nor Parker could control the star fullback's grubber kick.
The Kiwi Ferns had ample chances to find points with the game in the balance, particularly in the period immediately after halftime, when an Upton knock-on helped them into great field position.
But Najvada George and then Mele Hufanga each spilt the ball at point-blank range, with neither Kiwi Ferns half able to create a line break much less a try on Sunday.
Their first break came when Hufanga intercepted a ball from Ali Brigginshaw, sprinting 60 metres before being tackled by Apps and Aiken.
Australia's defence was as strong as its attack, with New Zealand scoreless for 78 minutes. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
The Kiwi Ferns found a consolation try in the last two minutes, though Tufuga appeared to drop the ball over the line on the left wing.
"Tough day for us," said Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry.
"Towards the back of the game, we sort of figured things out but we'd dug ourselves a bit of a hole."
New Zealand initially called a medicab onto the field when Annessa Biddle's head struck the hip of rival second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale during the second half.
Biddle lay motionless on the ground but eventually rose to her feet and left the field, with Henry confirming she was recovering well at full-time.
"She just had a stinger in her neck, so really pleased it's not as bad as we initially thought," Henry said.
A knee injury sidelined Australian lock Simaima Taufa midway through the second half.
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