Hockey: Australia beats NZ in battle of survival

New Zealand succumbed 3-1 to Australia in a match both coaches described as a battle of survival in the third round of the Champions Trophy women's hockey tournament in Macau last night (NZT).

Victors by 5-0 over England on Sunday, the Black Sticks could not contain five-time winners Australia who rallied from a goal down to post their first win and first goals of the tournament.

"We played some very, very good hockey, good switching of play and it's really disheartening to lose 3-1 when you've played pretty well but that's the reality, that's what they've got to learn," New Zealand assistant coach Selwyn Maister told NZPA.

The heat and humidity are proving a constant battle for all teams, with regular player rotation a prerequisite to survival.

"It never gets below 29degC but it's actually the humidity which kills us. When it's 32degC (like it was today), the sun's out and high humidity it's just really bloody difficult," Maister said.

"Australia suffered as much as we did, they made a lot of errors. The games are having to be slowed down here because of the conditions. You have to be more precise in what you do and both teams were trying to be more deliberate."

New Zealand had the better record heading into the match with the win over England and a 1-0 opening round loss to defending champions Argentina.

The Hockeyroos, who needed to beat New Zealand to retain any chance of reaching the final, were upset 1-0 by China on Sunday and were held to a scoreless draw by European champions the Netherlands in the first round

The reigning Olympic and world champions were given a scare when the Black Sticks took the lead in the eighth minute through a field goal by Amanda Christie.

The Australians struck back after netting a penalty corner and then making it 2-1 on the stroke of halftime. A third goal 10 minutes into the second half wrapped up the scoring.

Crucial defensive lapses which allowed Australia two "soft goals" proved costly for the Black Sticks who were well served by experienced defenders Sandy Bennett and Diana Weavers with fellow veterans Suzie Pearce and Michelle Turner the pick of the forwards.

New Zealand play the Netherlands tonight (New Zealand time) and China on Friday night to complete their round robin matches in the elite six-team competition. Final place playoffs begin on Saturday.

"We're trying to get out of the fifth versus sixth spot (playoff). It's pretty early days yet with two more pool matches to play and a lot depends on other matches," Maister said.

- NZPA