After throwing down the challenge to the Opals in a mostly even first half, Brazil were overwhelmed in a decisive third-quarter blitz.

Australia lead the two-game series 1-0 and will be confident of making it a clean sweep in tomorrow night's return match in Sydney.

Leading the Opals were Lauren Jackson (19 points, seven rebounds, three steals, three blocks), Penny Taylor (17 points, seven rebounds, six assists) and Belinda Snell (16 points, seven rebounds, five assists).

A small but noisy band of Brazil supporters provided a carnival atmosphere, entertaining the crowd of 1223 with an impromptu dance on the court at three-quarter time.

The only concern for Australia is an ankle injury for Kristi Harrower. The experienced guard missed the game and is likely to be rested again for game two.

Brazil lost to Australia by 11 at the 2006 world championships but the gap between the world number two and number four ranked teams has clearly widened.

Showcasing her side's enviable depth, Opals coach Jan Stirling used all 11 players in a highly physical opening quarter of the game.

Taylor hit two shots and a pair of free throws to pace Australia's scoring, but the tourists defiantly traded baskets and body blows with the reigning world champions and were only down 21-18 after one period.

Brazil's rugged defence continued to stifle the Aussies, with the mercurial Jackson their main target.

Despite the heavy-handed attention inside, Jackson broke free and hit six points for the quarter.

Taylor boosted her tally to 10 and Laura Summerton added four points in a solid effort off the bench, as the Opals took control with an 8-2 run to take a 42-33 lead into the locker room.

Snell had racked up four points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal off the bench, while Karla Martins Da Costa led Brazil with nine points and Soeli Garvao Zakrzeski had six points, five rebounds and three assists.

Australia made 17/35 of their shots in the first half and would have led by more if not for poor free throw shooting (6/13).

Brazil returned to strong-arm tactics in the third quarter and tempers almost flared three minutes in.

The margin swelled to 13 and the writing was on the wall for the visitors after a devastating 20-0 run gave Australia an unassailable 62-36 lead with three minutes remaining in the period.

Jackson was up to 13 points and Snell had 11, as the Opals took a 65-44 lead into the final quarter.