VIDEO: Tall Blacks kick off FIBA Oceania tourney with Haka

Qualification for the 2016 Olympics has officially begun down under.

Game 1 of the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship took place in Melbourne on Saturday - the first of a two-game series between the Australian and New Zealand national teams.

Related: FIBA Summer Primer: Qualifying for 2016 Olympics

As usual, the New Zealanders performed the Haka - a traditional Maori war cry and dance that doubles as an intimidation tactic - in front of their Aussie opponents.

The Boomers seemed unfazed, standing together with their arms over each other's shoulders, as the Kiwi team - nicknamed the Tall Blacks - stomped and screamed during their pregame ritual.

This brings back memories of their Haka prior to tipoff against Team USA in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup - a scene in which Derrick Rose, James Harden, and Kenneth Faried responded with rather quizzical facial expressions.

Notable NBA players representing Australia: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova, Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut, Chicago Bulls center Cameron Bairstow, and San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills.

Mills joined the team in the wake of fellow countryman Dante Exum's recent knee injury.

Australia defeated New Zealand 71-59. Game 2 will be held in Wellington, New Zealand on Tuesday.

The team with the higher aggregate score will qualify directly to the Olympics while the loser will have another chance in the World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.