The Germans finished third in last season's Pro League, but were playing their first match in the competition since October, when they suffered back-to-back defeats against Olympic champions Belgium.

Germany were without Lukas Windfelder, Tobias Hauke, Christopher Rühr and Florian Fuchs at the North-West University Astro in Potchefstroom, and faced a French side who had beaten South Africa 4-1 last night and sat sixth in the standings.

In the final minute of the first quarter, Niklas Bosserhoff beat two defenders before his attempted quick pass was deflected past French goalkeeper Arthur Thieffry by Amaury Bellenger, with the German player credited with the goal.

Timothée Clément equalised from a penalty corner on 37 minutes, with the teams remaining deadlocked going into the fourth quarter.

Two penalty-corner goals from Tom Grambusch on 51 and 59 minutes proved decisive for Germany, with a last-minute volley from Etienne Tynevez providing France with some consolation.

Germany are due to face bottom side South Africa in Potchefstroom tomorrow before a rematch against France on Saturday (February 19).

Their captain Mats Grambusch was pleased with how his side's return to Pro League action panned out.

"We have been here for a week now and the altitude, weather we are not used to that in Germany," Grambusch reflected.

"We had to get used to it and we knew it was a new group here with young players and then you have to get in to your groove.

"We needed time to do that.

"We want to do it better tomorrow against South Africa but I’m really, really pleased with our performance as we got the three points and want to go far in the Pro League."

Germany are seventh in the standings after three matches, although victory tomorrow would move them above France.