Australia dispatched Japan 4-1 last night to remain unbeaten in the Women's Tri-Nations in Cromwell.
The world-ranked No 5 side was too strong for the Japanese with goals to Ambrosia Malone and Kalindi Commerford to lead 2-1 at halftime.
Brooke Peris and Renee Taylor, in her 50th game, scored in the third quarter to seal the win.
The Aussies were more composed on the ball and their core skills were better under pressure.
Japan played a high-paced, high-risk game and had its moments in the opening quarter. But as the pressure mounted, the goals started coming for Australia.
Shihori Oikawa scored Japan's only goal from a superbly struck penalty corner late in the first period.
The Japanese showed enough to suggest they will be a force at the Tokyo Olympics in two years. It is worth noting it has a second squad playing in another series in Korea, so there is depth in its game.
On Sunday, Australia got revenge against New Zealand with a 4-1 win, reversing the result from the Commonwealth Games goal medal-match on the Gold Coast last month.
All three sides have been drawn in the same pool for the World Cup in London in July and August, so the series has turned into a game of cat-and-mouse as the teams look to hold something back.
But Australia has looked the most polished. Its execution in front of goal and ball control is a notch above at the moment.
The Black Sticks had the day off but will be back in action tonight when they play Japan.
