Hockey: Batch calls on experience for World League

New Zealand's Phil Burrows and Simon Child. Photo / Greg Bowker

Black Sticks men's head coach Colin Batch has named an experienced side for the FIH World League semi-final in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

New Zealand will be led by Phil Burrows (336 tests), Ryan Archibald (284), Simon Child (230) and Shea McAleese (214) at the tournament which runs from 3-14 June.

The Black Sticks are among 10 sides competing for a place in the World League Final, while the event also doubles as an opportunity to automatically qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics with a top three placing.

Veteran Archibald returns to the side after missing the recent International Challenge in Hobart, adding strength to a youthful and talented midfield including Arun Panchia, George Muir and Nic Woods.

Southern defender and drag flicking option Kane Russell also returns for the first time this year after being rewarded for a strong period of training.

Head coach Colin Batch said despite several injuries within the squad it was pleasing to have strong players ready to step up.

"We have some injuries at present with Nick Wilson, Shay Neal and James Coughlan all sidelined, but have created good depth and are still able to put out a very good side for Argentina," he said.

That depth has led to a few role changes in this team with Phil Burrows moving back up to striker and Shea McAleese pushing back into defence.

"Steve Edwards will also move into the attacking line. He is a very talented player with great attacking skills and we think he can be genuine goal scoring threat."

New Zealand is joined in Pool A at the tournament by Netherlands, Korea, Japan and Egypt while Pool B consists of Germany, Argentina, Spain, Canada and Austria.

The World League format sees the Kiwis play four pool games ahead of a crucial sudden-death quarter final against a Pool B opponent.

Black Sticks squad
Ryan Archibald (Auckland), Phil Burrows (Capital), Simon Child (capt - Auckland), Steve Edwards (North Harbour) , George Enersen (Canterbury), Nick Haig (Canterbury), Andy Hayward (Midlands), Blair Hilton (Capital), Hugo Inglis (Southern), Stephen Jenness (Capital), Devon Manchester (Auckland, Shea McAleese (Central), George Muir (North Harbour), Arun Panchia (Auckland), Dwayne Rowsell (Auckland), Kane Russell (Southern), Blair Tarrant (Southern), Nic Woods (Midlands)