The 2016 Olympic gold medallists defeated arch-rivals New Zealand 14-12 in Thursday night’s game one at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.

A late try to Dominique Du Toit was enough for the Aussies to snatch a stirring come from behind win over the reigning world champions, giving them plenty of momentum ahead of Friday’s double header.

The Kiwis had the better of the contest in the first half and led 7-0 at the break courtesy of a try to Theresa Fitzpatrick.

Australia suffered a momentary blow, losing one of their stars Nicole Beck early in the game with an AC injury.

But she was quickly able to return to the field and play an important role in the win.

A try to Cassie Staples, who made her World Series debut for the Pearls in Canada earlier this year, and conversion levelled the scores at 7-7 early in the second half.

Sarah Goss again put the Black Ferns ahead with a try, but a failed conversion into a stiff breeze offered plenty of hope to the Aussies.

They wasted no time in pouncing with Du Toit running in the Aussies’ second try soon after to tie up the game at 12-12.

A neat conversion from the boot of Brooke Walsh put the Pearls ahead by two points only moments before time expired, much to the delight of most in a good-sized crowd.

Australian coach Tim Walsh praised his side’s fighting qualities after they were forced to play catch-up on two occasions.

“In sevens, because everything happens so quickly, you can be down but still come back, as it happened,” he said.

 “But we defended pretty well for that first bit and then put in some good attacking, so we weren’t worried straight away.

“You never like to concede tries, but it was a good way to finish.

“New Zealand are the best team in the world and that game could have gone either way.

“Both teams were pretty rusty and both were putting out some inexperienced players to try and find out who the next Olympians are.”

With the Aussies squad containing six rookies, Walsh said he would continue to experiment with his line-up over the next four games.

One of those rookies Lauren Brown earned plaudits for her strong defensive efforts and decision making in attack.

Olympic gold medallist Evania Pelite proved a steadying influence on her lesser-experienced teammates, while Walsh was also impressed with the speed and tackling of Du Toit.

The 20-year-old from Toowoomba, who scored the game’s final try, said she was thrilled just to contribute to the win.

“We opened up a bit and had some space down the wing and the girls threw some beautiful passes,” Du Toit said.

“We were able to spread it wide, which is something we as an Australian team do very well.

“It’s always very pleasing when you win a game, especially against New Zealand, our trans-Tasman rivals, but it’s only the first game of five, we’ll need to step things up a bit for the next one.”

Friday’s games kick-off at 3.30pm and 6.30pm.