The Spanish duo is one-stroke clear of the powerhouse Americans Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker as well as the surprise performers on day one, China (Ashun Wu and Haotong Li) and France (Victor Dubuisson and Romain Langasque). The Australian pair of Marc Leishman and Adam Scott is five shots from the lead after a two over 74.

The Spaniards bounced back from a bogey at the short par-4 4th hole by making an eagle at the reachable par-5 8th. After a birdie on the 12th, the Spanish shared the lead but edged their way in front with a closing birdie courtesy of a 12-footer from Cabrera-Bello that hung on the edge of the cup momentarily before dropping in the side door.

“That was a fun putt,” Cabrera-Bello said. “When I was seeing it, it looked like it couldn’t miss and then, all of a sudden, it could really miss and I don’t know how it came back.

Jon Rahm stares down an approach shot early in the opening round of the World Cup. PHOTO: Scott Barbour/Getty Images.

“I think we played good. It was obviously tough and tricky with the wind, but Jon played great, I rolled some putts and hit some good shots as well.

“I think it is a score we’re proud of but also a score we deserve.”

Of all the teams at the World Cup this week, Cabrera-Bello and Rahm probably knew the least about each other before arriving in Melbourne. Cabrera-Bello plays mainly in Europe, while Rahm has played mainly on the US Tour since turning pro earlier this year. That hasn’t stopped them from combining well on the course.

LEADERBOARD  |   SECOND ROUND TEE TIMES

“At the end of the day we’re both from the same country and we know each other pretty well just based on what we hear in the news and what we know from watching on TV,” Rahm said.

“I was lucky enough to play with him a couple of times in the US Open so I got to know his game pretty well.

“But yeah (playing foursomes) was like an express way to learn how to play with each other.

“The first few holes with him I was still nervous just to be playing with him. I was trying to make sure I didn’t mess up too much off the tee, but luckily I was able to place the ball in good spots and he took over the rest.” – Jon Rahm

The Americans battled hard for their two under 70 after opening proceedings with a bogey. The ledger was squared with a birdie at the 5th hole and seven consecutive pars followed. Fowler and Walker looked to be in trouble on the short par-4 13th when Fowler’s wayward approach finished in a deep greenside bunker. Walker was unfazed though and he holed the bunker shot for a birdie three.

Another birdie followed at the par-5 14th and when Fowler rolled in their third birdie in as many holes at the uphill par-3 15th, the Americans were in the lead … but only briefly.

They handed that shot back at the next hole and parred in to card a two under 70.

“I think we got everything out of the round that we could have,” Walker said. “Rickie hit it great, I hit some good shots. It was an all-round effort.”

Way to go bro'. Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler celebrate a birdie at the 14th hole. PHOTO: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

Fowler added: “We got everything out of the round that we could and that’s key in alternate shot.

“You’re going to miss shots out there, it’s hard to play perfectly for 18 holes. We made some good putts to keep the round going and worked well together.”

The Americans have been unwavering in their praise of the Kingston Heath layout. They have quickly adapted from the usual diet of PGA Tour courses to the type of strategic play required to excel on a Melbourne Sandbelt course, which suggests, at this early stage, they might be the team to beat.

“Some of the holes that you can really drive it down there, the pins were kind of in some spots that if you didn’t hit it perfect, it was going to be tough to get it close,” Walker said.

“So we kind of figured hit a little further back, hit full shots, spin it in there.

“That’s what’s fun about this place is you’ve got options and it’s however, you want to play.”

In the second round fourball, Spain will play in the final group alongside France, while the Americans will be out with China in the penultimate group.