Kopua wasn't the only star. Unheralded shooter Bailey Mes was mesmerising in the goal circle, outplaying star Australian defender Laura Geitz. She was well-supported by Maria Tutaia, who after a shaky start, was soon at her brilliant long-range shooting best, dropping in the shots from the circle edge with apparent ease. When they didn't sink, more often than not Mes was there to mop up, picking up five offensive rebounds.
Laura Langman shone in the middle, playing with pace and urgency on attack, and forcing the Australian midcourt into a lot of uncharacteristic errors with her relentless defensive effort.
Having not yet been tested against strong opposition, the new-look Ferns line-up were an unknown quantity heading into the match. It turns out they're a pretty handy quantity. But coach Waimarama Taumaunu was quick to hose down any talk the Ferns are now the title favourites.
"One game is not a trend, but it is a good start," said Taumaunu.
Leading 29-26 at halftime, the third spell proved the decisive period for the Ferns, with New Zealand stretching out to a eight-goal lead on the back of a couple of strong defensive plays early on.
Predictably Australia surged back later in the spell, but the Ferns still held a handy six-goal leading at the final turn.
Despite some rather rugged defence in the final period, the New Zealand side held their nerve to claim their first win over the Diamonds since October 2013.
The result has given the World Cup a major shake-up, with most expecting the Diamonds would waltz their way to their third straight crown in Sydney.
Both sides will now have day off as they contemplate their assault on the second round.
Today's win will put New Zealand on a more favourable side of the draw for the qualification round matches, with the Ferns in the same group as Jamaica, while Australia will meet England at some point over the next three days.
