The New Zealand women's hockey team proved no match for world number two Argentina in the first match of their four-test series with the Black Sticks outclassed 4-1 by the tourists in Auckland.
Argentina scored two goals within the first twelve minutes before Auckland's Julia King lifted the Black Sticks back into the match with a well taken 17th minute strike.
A goal mouth scramble following a penalty corner gave Argentina their third goal before half-time.
Argentina continued their domination after the break and put the game beyond doubt with their fourth goal six minutes into the second stanza.
The Black Sticks coach Mark Hager says too many one-on-one battles were lost and while conceding the players are feeling the pressure of Olympic selection, he says now is the time to step up.
The second test is tomorrow evening at North Harbour Hockey Stadium.
