A 13th-minute drag flick from Great Britain's Giselle Ansley proved crucial as the Hockeyroos went down 1-0 in their FIH Pro League series opener in Christchurch.
In a game that saw goalmouth action at both ends and the respective goalkeepers forced into producing a string of fine saves, it was Ansley's first-quarter goal from a penalty corner that separated the teams.
Greta Hayes came close to drawing the Hockeyroos level with under 60 seconds to go in the first quarter, but her well directed shot was kept out by Great Britain goalkeeper Sabbie Heesh.
Consecutive penalty corners saw Renee Taylor and Penny Squibb denied by Heesh as the Hockeyroos enjoyed a dominant period of play early in the second quarter.
As both sides tried to find cracks in the opposing defences, the urgency lifted heading into the last 15 minutes.
Isabelle Petter stung the pads of Jocelyn Bartram to start the last quarter as the Hockeyroos goalkeeper ensured the deficit stayed at one.
The Hockeyroos' resolve was tested as they endured a few minutes with nine field players after Claire Colwill and Amy Lawton, in her 50th game, received green cards.
Bartram produced another fine reflex save with 90 seconds remaining to give the Hockeyroos a chance at mounting one final attack, but Great Britain held firm.
"We created some good opportunities ... it was just our skills on the back of that to finish and put the ball into the back of the net that was missing," said Grace Stewart.
"We will have a focus on improving our finishing and then come out ready to go against New Zealand on Anzac Day."
The Hockeyroos will feature in an Australia-New Zealand double header on Tuesday.
The Kookaburras' first match of the series is against Great Britain on Sunday.
