KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand men's hockey team drew their final test 0-0 today to take the five-match series 3-0 against Japan.
An earlier match was also drawn.
Japan fully tested the Black Sticks today, who appeared to wilt a little in the Japanese heat and the effect of playing five games in seven days.
They uncharacteristically gave the ball back to the Japanese on numerous occasions and as a result did extra running to defend.
However, despite a below par performance, they still looked more likely to score than Japan, who had only once real chance.
With Phil Burrows leading the New Zealand strikers, the attacks looked promising.
Both teams were awarded three penalty corners each and on one occasion Dean Couzins scrambled the ball off the line after it had been partially saved by goalkeeper Paul Woolford.
The series was part of the New Zealand's buildup for the Oceania Olympic qualifying series in Australia next month.
- NZPA
