Hockey: Coach sticks it to experienced strikers

CHRISTCHURCH - The new broom continues to sweep through the New Zealand women's team with experienced strikers Niniwa Roberts-Lang and Jaimee Provan axed from the squad for next month's Commonwealth Games.

"You have to make 16 positive calls along with three or four tough calls," said Black Sticks coach Ian Rutledge at the team announcement here yesterday.

"Niniwa has had a distinguished career and has contributed a lot but this team has been picked on form. Both players were obviously disappointed."

Roberts-Lang and Provan both made their international debuts in 2001 and have each played over 100 games for New Zealand.

Rutledge was uncertain whether they would make themselves available for future selection given the heavy international schedule this year.

"They are still in the extended squad. We have to name 18 players for the World Cup qualifiers," said Rutledge. "They, if available, will obviously come into consideration.

"I would expect the 16 who go to Melbourne will be included in the 18-strong squad we take to Rome in April for the qualifiers. The other two will come from the extended squad."

That squad will be named on March 27.

Asked whether Robert-Lang's absence would weaken the team's penalty corner-taking ability, Rutledge said he felt he had the necessary cover with experienced defender Lizzy Igasan expected to step up.

While there is a wealth of experience in the 16-strong squad, only Suzie Muirhead, Di Weavers and Michelle Hollands (nee Turner) are backing up from the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.

Muirhead, 30, with 255 caps is the most experienced followed by Weavers (162), Hollands (88) and Igasan (86). Igasan missed Manchester through injury.

At the other end of that scale, 16-year-old Charlotte Harrison wins her chance with only six internationals behind her. Harrison and North Harbour's Kate Mahon (with eight) are the only players yet to reach 10 caps.

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepeers
Beth Jurgeleit (Wellington) 25 years, 28 caps
Anita Wawatai (Central) 25, 20

Defenders
Emily Naylor (Central) 20, 51
Lizzy Igasan (Nth Harbour) 23, 82
Clarissa Eshuis (Canterbury) 19, 15
Di Weavers (Midlands) 30, 162
Kate Mahon (Nth Harbour) 22, 8

Midfield
Kayla Sharland (Central) 20, 66
Suzie Muirhead (Wellington) 30, 225
Jane Maley (Canterbury) 25, 18
Frances Kreft (Auckland) 20, 25
Michelle Hollands (Canterbury) 31, 88

Strikers
Krystal Forgesson (Auckland) 23, 11
Honor Dillon (Canterbury) 23, 27
Stacey Carr (Canterbury) 21, 56
Charlotte Harrison (Northland) 16, 6