Two final-quarter goals to Argentina saw them crush the homecoming of local stars Eddie Ockenden, Josh Beltz and Jack Welch, beating the Kookaburras 4-2 in a penalty shootout in Hobart.
The Kookaburras had complete control of the first half, with newly inked captain Jeremy Hayward slamming home two penalty corner goals with aplomb inside eight minutes.
After emerging from the main break with intent, Hayward was denied his hat-trick in the 34th minute before Australia found themselves on the back foot.
