Injured Aussie striker Nikki Hudson has backed the Hockeyroos to beat Argentina and meet China in the Champions Trophy final.

The Hockeyroos fell from the top spot to third after their first tournament loss, against 2002 champion China 1-0 and now take on the world's top-ranked team.

However, Hudson feels the South Americans are nothing to be overawed by.

"I certainly don't think (Argentina) have been performing as well as they normally do," Hudson told 2KY radio.

"Tomorrow, will be a really tough match, it always is, Australia-Argentina."

Australia will need nothing less than a draw to maintain trajectory for a top two spot for Saturday's finals, with Argentina in equal first place with China.

"(The Hockeyroos) will go away from last night and they'll have a look at what they should have done better," Hudson said.

Argentina won its first Champions Trophy gold in 2001.

However, its biggest handicap this year has been the absence of star defender Cecelia Rognoni who was named FIH player of the year in 2002.

Rognoni is fulfilling obligations to her Dutch league club, however, 2001 FIH player of the year Luciana Aymar poses just as big a threat to the Aussies.

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