In typical fashion, it was a Sam Kerr brace that got Australia over the line after opening the scoring in the 23rd minute as Brisbane Roar star Tameka Butt doubled the Matildas’ lead eight minutes into the second half.

Australia worked well collectively as a Kerr screamer iced the game just over the hour mark and had fans out of their seats when she was substituted off.

Starting XI

Mackenzie Arnold - 6

The second-choice goalkeeper was given a run during the friendly and in fairness did not have much to do.

Clare Polkinghorne - 7

The veteran looked rock solid at the back and made sure the Chinese strike force did not get through.

Alanna Kennedy - 7.5

Looked solid at the back, one of the reasons why Mackenzie Arnold had little to do. She almost got herself a goal on the hour mark when her free kick was beaten away by the keeper.

Steph Catley - 6

The Melburnian did her best to feed the forwards, but had a scare late in the 36th minute falling awkwardly after trying to cross the ball. She came back minutes later and received a rapturous applause from the crowd. The left-back was then subbed at half-time.

Caitlin Foord - 8.5

Only came back from Japan this week and looked extremely agile. She provided some good balls into the area.