The victory certainly sends a strong message to the competition.

The side, captained by Rio Olympian Mariah Williams, delivered four goals within the first half courtesy of Kate Hanna, Savannah Fitzpatrick, Michaela Spano and fellow Olympian Stewart.

Hanna was the first to crack the scoreboard with a penalty corner only six minutes into the game. 

The next 20 minutes went past with a lot of pressing from the Jillaroos before they were rewarded by forcing a penalty corner which Fitzpatrick converted to a goal.

Spano added to the tally with a  field goal at the 28th minute, before Stewart secured another penalty corner for the Jillaroos leaving the Australian’s with a  huge 4–nil at half-time.

In the second half, the Aussies came back just as determined and set about to extend their lead and secure the win. 

This time it was Greta Hayes who went in for a field goal, along with Sophie Taylor who scored a double in penalty corners.

Jillaroos head coach Tim White said the match was a pleasing start to the tournament. 

“The tone was set early by our hard work across all lines and our ability to win balls in the press proved to be telling,” he said.

“It was pleasing to score some penalty corners but we’ll look to improve our conversion rate when entering our attacking 25 for our next match against England.”

Jillaroos 7  – Kate Hanna 6 (PC), Savannah Fitzpatrick 25 (PC), Michaela Spano 28 (FG), Grace Stewart 31 (PC), Greta Hayes 38 (FG), Sophie Taylor 49, 59 (PC, PC) d South Africa nil.

Stewart was in action again on Sunday when the Jillaroos drew 1-1 with England in game two of the Junior World Cup.

Meantime, Wollongong pair Flynn Ogilvie and Tristan White featured in the Kookaburras team which won the inaugural International Festival of Hockey against the New Zealand Black Sticks on Sunday, winning the final 3-1.