The Wallaroos' World Cup hopes hang in the balance after playing out a thrilling 31-all draw with the USA in York.
Australia and the Eagles scored five tries and three conversions apiece in their Pool A clash but couldn't be separated with both sides now facing a nervous week to see who qualifies for the quarter final round.
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Here's what we learned from Wallaroos - USA:
There was little love lost between these two sides already - but this Australia-USA rivalry will be outright hostile after the latest instalment.
Despite being piggybacked by a lopsided penalty count against the Wallaroos (13-6), the Eagles were their own worst enemy in York with four early handling errors cruelling attacking chances inside the Wallaroos' 22 before storming back after half time to lead 17-14 and then 31-26.
The breakdown was Australia's Achilles heel with nine penalties conceded but Jo Yapp's side found ways to stay in the contest with Piper Duck, Kaitlan Leaney and Tabua Tuinakauvadra producing big plays late ahead of Eva Karpani's late equaliser.
The Wallaroos still had their chances - a notable three-on-two chance late in the 35th minute chief among them - and Samantha Wood will rue two conversion attempts that just curled left, including a potential matchwinner in the 74th minute
However, USA could've easily had their day in the sun had Mackenzie Hawkins' first conversion attempt not been timed out and Pool A will come down to whether Australia can snag a win, a bonus point or keep the points differential down.
World Rugby's biggest star had shone brightest off the the paddock until this morning.
After being largely contained by England last week, Ilona Maher had a point to prove and Australia had no answers for the boom sevens convert around the breakdown.
Maher finished with a perfect defensive record to go with three turnovers and 10 carries.
Eagles teammate Freda Tafuna was a deserving best on ground with three tries, four tackle busts and 40 carry metres while Kate Zackary, Hope Rogers and Emily Heinrich also produced strong games.
For Australia's part, Tuinakaudavra bagged two pilfers while Wood and Emily Chancellor also snaffled key steals but Wallaroos staff would be left puzzled by some key officiating calls at the breakdown that favoured USA.
How many teenagers look as comfortable on rugby's biggest stage as Caitlyn Halse?
'The Kid' took her game to new heights with two tries, two try assists, three linebreak assists and four tackle busts in a team-best performance.
Halse twice threw pinpoint passes to send Desiree Miller over for a double and cut the Eagles to ribbons with her left foot step.
Her 38th minute try under the sticks was a masterclass in squaring up defenders and straightening the line while her second half effort was as smooth an overs line as you'll see in Test rugby.
Miller was again Australia's top metre eater to go with her brace, Michaela Leonard tackled the lights out in her 40th cap and the hard-working Duck carried strongly for 80 minutes.
There wasn't a single Australian player or coach interviewed post-game who tried to hide their disappointment.
Ultimately, the Wallaroos let slip two handy leads - 14-7 at halftime and 26-17 with 13 minutes to play - and must now dust themselves off to face tournament favourites England in Brighton.
"It's disappointing and a bit flat to be honest, we let them into the game in that second half and our penalty count allowed them access to our half and yeah, on the whole a bit disappointed," coach Jo Yapp told Stan Sport.
"Our discipline really let us down and at time we weren't accurate so we'll always regret and have a look back [but] the girls need to bounce back, we've got a big game next week."
"Both teams wanted that game real bad and it kind of feels like both teams lost it, so yeah, frustrating," co-captain Emily Chancellor added.
A maiden victory over England next weekend would guarantee Australia's quarter final berth but there are other paths to qualification.
The Wallaroos (+73) have the edge over the Eagles and currently sit on eight competition points, five points clear of the USA (-62).
Any Australian bonus point against the Red Roses - four tries or losing by seven points or less - would also lock up second place in Pool A.
Should the Wallaroos fail to record an upset win or snag either bonus point, their qualifying hopes will hinge on points differential.
The USA are widely expected to register a bonus point win against Manusina, who recently fell 92-3 against England following their 73-0 loss to Australia, and start their game four hours before the Wallaroos-Red Roses clash
It paints a tantalising picture for Australian fans, players, and coaches, who will be cheering on Samoa and by kick-off know exactly how many points they need to score to ensure a quarter final berth, should a win or bonus point not be forthcoming.
