A nerveless Australian trio played a key role in a dramatic late flurry as the International team snatched the initiative on the opening day of the Presidents Cup in South Africa.

The United States looked on course to take a lead of up to four points before the defending champions cracked under the pressure in the final holes of the foursomes at The Links at Fancourt.

The Internationals lead 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 ahead of Friday's five matches of four-ball before returning to five matches of foursomes in the afternoon session.

Australian pair Robert Allenby and Stephen Leaney epitomised the fightback by winning the final two holes against American veterans Fred Funk and Jay Haas to split a point.

Hometown hero Ernie Els and Australian Adam Scott earlier pulled off an even more impressive comeback after recovering from two shots down with three holes to play for a stunning 1-up win.

Scott struggled early on in his match, but the Big Easy's calm temperament helped the recovery and the youngster made some crucial shots late in the contest.

Leaney said the storming finish could be pivotal come the final day of action on Sunday.

"Those half points come Sunday, it can always turn out to be big and that's what happened today.

"As Peter (Lonard) said, it looked ugly after quite a long day. (International captain) Gary (Player) was saying he probably would have taken 4-2 down, but to actually come out in front was a huge bonus for us," he said.

That pair of results followed Mike Weir and Nick Price's thrilling victory and could well come back to haunt the Americans who lost their only Cup campaign on foreign soil in 1998 in Melbourne.

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