A Dylan Wotherspoon hat-trick has powered the Kookaburras into the final of the Darwin International Hockey Open where they face a rematch with Olympic champions Argentina.
Wotherspoon was on target twice in the opening half, and then added the Kookaburras' final goal early in the third quarter to condemn winless Japan to a third and fourth playoff with Malaysia before Saturday's decider.
Australia's 3-0 victory provides the world's No.1-ranked team with an opportunity to avenge a 2-0 loss to Argentina on Wednesday.
Tom Craig set up Wotherspoon's first half goals and also hand in the third by laying off the ball for Kieran Govers to supply the assist.
In Friday's opening match Argentina converted a penalty corner eight seconds from time to pip Malaysia 3-2.
Pedro Ibarra's precise drag flick enabled the unbeaten South Americans to lead for the first time in a fluctuating contest.
