Three goals in nine minutes either side of quarter time set the foundation for a dominant 4-0 Hockeyroos win over outsiders Canada at the Hawkes Bay Cup in Hastings.
Penalty corner strikes from defenders Georgie Morgan and Jodie Kenny inside the opening period were supplemented by a double from 18-year-old Grace Stewart, the first of which came shortly after the restart, her second coming late in the contest.
The result on Tuesday means the Hockeyroos finished second in Pool A behind Japan on goals differential and will face either China, Ireland or India in Thursday's quarter-final.
As in their opening two matches - a 1-1 draw against Japan and a 2-0 win over Korea - the Australian women controlled play throughout, creating numerous opportunities but failing to convert many of the best chances.
Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens admitted the number of opportunities passed up by his side was frustrating.
"I know our players are better than what they've shown and I'm just imploring them to start to bring into practice in these games the sorts of things we've been training," Commens said.
"I thought today we could have done that much better."
Commens said the focus was to improve and peak in time for the Rio Olympics.
"I think the way that were playing throughout the pitch is positive. We're creating those chances ... we just need to tidy up the end zone," he said.
"In an Olympic year ... selection pressure is there and sometimes that pressure can contribute but the pressure's going to be that much more at the Olympic Games."
Such was the Australian dominance that Hockeyroos goalkeeper Ashlee Wells was largely a spectator, called into action for the only time in the 50th minute, comfortably dismissing a shot on goal.
The Hockeyroos face the third-placed team from Pool B in the quarters which will be completed later on Tuesday.
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