The Wallaroos and USA have played out a remarkable 31-all draw in York, the first in the Australian side's history.
It leaves both teams' World Cup hopes up in the air heading into next week's final round of pool matches.
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The Australians (+73) will know what they have to do to advance to the quarter-finals before they play world number one England in Brighton, with the USA (-62) needing a big win over Samoa next weekend.
Fullback Caitlyn Halse announced herself on the world stage with a double and two try assists to winger Desiree Miller.
But the American forward pack worked their way back from a nine-point deficit twice to hit the front.
Flanker Freda Tafuna crossed twice, and second-rower Erica Jarrell-Searcy burst clear for a late lead for the USA.
Replacement Eva Karpani stepped up for Australia, levelling the scores with a great burst and try with six minutes to go.
However, Samantha Wood's conversion just faded away after a number of tight makes from the excellent scrumhalf.
The Wallaroos capitalised on some early USA nerves for the first points of the night through Miller.
USA centre Ilona Maher was eager to influence the game like she influences online, and she caused the Aussies chaos at the breakdown.
She had three breakdown turnovers, and this, along with the strong response from the Eagles’ forward pack, helped them dominate the middle of the first half.
In what proved to be a critical moment, Flanker Tafuna dived over for the USA's first points; however, they ran out of time to convert through McKenzie Hawkins as the ball fell off the tee at the end of the shot clock.
The Wallaroos were quick to regain momentum, with back-rower Piper Duck and scrum half Wood putting in inspired performances.
The pressure from Duck and captain Emily Chancellor set up late field position, with the Wallaroos initially unable to capitalise before a crucial late breakthrough via fullback Caitlyn Halse two minutes before half-time for a 14-5 lead at the break.
The USA worked their way back and into the lead after the Australians found themselves on the wrong side of the whistle.
They gave away eight penalties, five of which were in the first ten minutes of the second half as Tafuna again and Hope Rogers barged over the line.
Miller's second gave Australia an instant reply, but they were again forced to chase the game after two quick USA tries.
This is where Karpani kept the Australians alive, barging over the line for the five-pointer to level the scores.
Both teams fought for a winner, however, could not be separated as the Americans kicked the ball into touch.
Wallaroos 31 (Miller 2, Halse 2, Karpani tries; Wood 3 cons) tied with USA 31 (Tafuna 2, Sagapolu, Rogers, Jarrell-Searcy tries; Hawkins 3 cons)
