Hockey: England shaping as crucial game

New Zealand face a likely playoff-deciding match against England in their Commonwealth Games men's hockey opener in Melbourne next year.

Organisers have released the draw, grouping New Zealand with 2002 gold medallists Australia, England, Canada and Scotland.

The top two sides from each pool progress to the semifinals, meaning New Zealand may need to topple England to ensure qualifying does not hinge on upsetting their trans-Tasman rivals.

New Zealand face England on March 17, then Canada and Scotland before their final pool match against Olympic champions Australia on March 22.

Arch-rivals Pakistan and India head the other pool and will likely claim the two other semifinal spots.

New Zealand beat Pakistan in the 2002 semifinals in Manchester before losing to Australia in the gold medal match.

In the women's draw, New Zealand have avoided Australia in pool play but will want to top their pool to avoid a likely trans-Tasman clash in the semifinals.

The Black Sticks have cosy opening matches against Scotland, Barbados and Canada before meeting England on March 21 in a game which should decide the pool winner.

Australia, South Africa and India are leading contenders to claim the two semifinal spots in the other pool.

* New Zealand Commonwealth Games draws:

Men: March 17 v England, March 18 v Canada, March 20 v Scotland, March 22 v Australia, March 24 semifinals, March 26 final.

Women: March 16 v Scotland, March 17 v Barbados, March 19 v Canada, March 21 v England, March 23 semifinals, March 25 final.

- NZPA