Hockey: NZ men win, women lose

The New Zealand men's hockey team beat Tasmania 7-0 in Auckland yesterday.

Two days before coach Kevin Towns names his 16-strong squad to contest the Commonwealth Games he pronounced himself happy with the performance that followed a 2-1 defeat of the same opponents on Saturday.

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An improved performance from the New Zealand women's team wasn't enough to prevent Japan winning the third test 1-0 in Christchurch yesterday to wrap up their five-match series.

The Black Sticks conceded a soft goal with nine minutes remaining but could at least be happy there was no repeat of the 4-1 loss on Saturday. They lost the first match 3-2.

Coach Ian Rutledge said they had to make significant strides as they build for the Commonwealth Games.