Hockeyroos beat Japan in Four Nations game

Hayley Padget scored on her international debut as the Hockeyroos recorded a winning start to their Four Nations Tournament with a 2-0 victory over hosts Japan.

Queenslander Renee Taylor scrambled home the opener in the 13th minute before 25-year-old Padget, who has overcome a series of setbacks to finally make her Hockeyroos debut, added the second in the 42nd minute.

Padget was making her debut alongside fellow Victorian Sophie Taylor and Naomi Evans, while Steph Kershaw celebrated her 50th cap with a best afield display.

Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin said of the match in Ibaraki: "I think it was a very even match. Both teams had many chances. Perhaps we were able to take our chances more than Japan.

"We were pleased with some parts of our game and our attacking game with the ball, but we need to be better when we don't have the ball."

Australia takes on Korea in their second game on Thursday.

AAP