Hockey: Form turnaround needed for NZ women

The New Zealand women's hockey team will need a dramatic turnaround in form if they are to prevent a series defeat to Japan.

The Black Sticks were beaten 4-1 in the second test in Christchurch yesterday. The Japanese also won the first match between the two sides, 3-2.

However, coach Ian Rutledge is taking plenty of positives from the match, saying his younger players will be better for the lessons learned.

Rutledge said the Japanese have exposed some defensive fragility which they will have to work hard to eradicate.

He is not concerned, saying such a learning experience is good ahead of next month's Commonwealth Games.

Rutledge said they are a pretty inexperienced unit at this stage but steady improvement is evident from where he is sitting.

The third test of the series is in Christchurch at 5.00pm today.

- NEWSTALK ZB