England proved too physical for Australia, winning 2-1 in the opening match of the six-nation women's hockey tournament in Pusan, Korea.

England dominated the first half and the early pressure was rewarded in the 12th minute when captain Jane Smith scored.

England continued to press and their strength in the tackle, and for contested possession, kept Australia on the defensive until the halftime break.

"We didn't play very well at all and were very soft and one-dimensional, especially in the first half," said Hockeyroos coach David Bell.

"We weren't fluent in attack and because of the pressure from England couldn't string passes together."

Despite being clearly out muscled in the first half, the Australians regrouped in the second 35 minutes and began to counter England's tactics more effectively.

Although Australia had multiple goal scoring chances in the second half, England secured the match with just six minutes remaining through a field goal to striker Leisa King.

The Hockeyroos continued to fight in the final stages, with Louise Dobson converting a penalty corner before a chance to equalise in the last minute went begging.

"In the second half, our strength improved and we had a lot more goal scoring opportunities. We had two or three very good chances to score but just couldn't convert those chances," Bell said.

"We were completely out-muscled in the first half and it was not dissimilar to what they did to us at the Commonwealth Games last year (England won 2-1 in the semi final).

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