Hockey: Auckland in dual push for podium

New Zealand Black Sticks goalkeeper Devon Manchester saves a goal. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland's men put their title on the line while the province's women aim to go one better than last year when the national league starts today.

The men needed an extra-time goal to beat Southern 2-1 in their Challenge Shield final last year, while Canterbury capped an unbeaten tournament by beating Auckland 3-1 in the women's K Cup final.

The men first, where Auckland have made changes from last year but, with five players in the national squad and two in the development group, should be formidable.

New Zealand goalkeeper Devon Manchester, national skipper Dean Couzins, brothers Arun and Jared Panchia, and Marcus and Simon Child and guest player, England international Simon Egerton, should ensure Auckland won't easily lose their grip on the title.

International attackers Katie Glynn, Krystal Forgesson and Samantha Harrison seem certain to keep the Auckland women in the goals.

They have a new coach, former Indian international goalkeeper Jude Menezes, and Glynn likes what she's seen in training.

''We've got quite a new group this year, a few are going into their first national league and it's got a really different feel to it from last year," Glynn said.

''I think we've got a really good mix of players. I don't know how the other teams are tracking but from what I've seen I'm pretty happy and think we can play some pretty good hockey."

There have been disruptions to preparation for all women's teams in the Ford-sponsored competition with, first, the Black Sticks in the Netherlands on World League duty, followed by the Junior Black Sticks who have just returned from Germany this week.

The recent introduction of Region of Origin rules, obliging players to return and play for their original province, has been extended to include development players. Glynn approves of the change.

''It definitely evens out the competition. The standard of the tournament has improved. You don't just have three teams dominating and the rest struggling."

North Harbour men will be led by veteran Dave Kosoof in his 15th and final season and will be aiming to at least match their third-place finish last year.

The former Black Sticks striker has been a part of Harbour's four NHL titles since 2000 and acknowledged it will be tough signing off.

''But it's just become too hard keeping up with these young fellas at training," he said.

The province's women have international keeper Bianca Russell as a formidable last line and lively Black Sticks midfielder Petrea Webster.

Of the other sides, look for Southern in the Challenge Shield, sprinkled with talented young internationals and bolstered by Australian striker Eddie Ockenden; and Canterbury seem sure to put up a solid defence of their women's crown.

After the first two rounds this weekend dotted around the country, from next Saturday the remaining five rounds plus semifinals and finals are compressed into a nine-day period, all at North Harbour.

Three successive days' play in that period will test teams' fitness and depth.