Govers snared a second half double and Ogilvie one as the Kookaburras held off the Black Sticks in a gripping 4-3 win, keeping the Aussies within touch of world champions Belgium at the top of the competition rankings.

It also served as a timely message for the Illawarra duo being included in next year's Tokyo Olympics squad.

Not to be outdone, Stewart produced one of her best performances in Australian colours, scoring twice and setting up another in a punishing 5-1 win over the Kiwis, who the Hockeyroos have struggled against in recent times.

Stewart had taken inspiration from St George Illawarra's annual ANZAC Day games, which she had grown up watching.

They would pay their respects to people who have served for our country and it makes for a good atmosphere," she told the Mercury before the game.

"I always thought it would be pretty amazing to play in a game on Anzac Day, so it will be very special. We will have the poppy printed on our bodysuit, which we never normally do, so it will be new and exciting."

For the Kookaburras, it was Albion Park's Govers who launched them to victory after being locked at 2-all, after Ogilvie's early strike.

Govers edged the Aussies ahead at 3-2 with a trademark short corner shot, then extended their lead nine minutes later. However, an Ogilvie turnover allowed New Zealand's Mackenzie Wilcox to hit back, setting up a thrilling finish.

"Towards the end New Zealand had us scrambling which made it interesting for the crowd," Govers said. "Luckily enough we held on."

The Kookaburras, less than one percentage point behind top-placed Belgium having played three more games, now travel to play Argentina on May 5.

The Hockeyroos are fourth overall with five wins from nine games, also play Argentina in Buenos Aires.

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