Hockey: Black Sticks face big tests against Argentina, China

New Zealand get a royal opportunity to test their progress when they host two of world women's hockey's strongest nations early next month.

World No 2 Argentina will play three tests from July 3-6 in Whangarei and Pukekohe. After that, China, ranked fourth in the world, play tests in Hamilton and Pukekohe on July 7 and 8.

The Black Sticks, ranked No 11, beat an under-strength Indian side 3-2, 5-2 and 7-0 this month, fielding a side with an average age of 21.

Argentina, boasting the five-times world player of the year, Luciana Aymar, will certainly challenge the quality of the Black Sticks' defence. The South Americans have just finished the Spar Cup in South Africa, where they were runners-up to Australia.

Several players who were not available for the Indian series have returned for the dual challenge next month, including experienced attacker Kayla Sharland, defender Kate Saunders and strike Honor Dillon. However, 11 of the 25-strong squad are uncapped.

New Zealand coach Mark Hager, who will pick 18 players from the 25 for each international, liked what he saw in terms of attitude and aggression from his attack against the Indians. Argentina and China are sure to present tougher examinations.

"I have told some of the younger players they have the licence to continue backing themselves. We may get hurt, but I don't want them to change anything," Hager said.

The first target this year for the Black Sticks is the Oceania Cup, against world No 5 Australia and a Pacific Island nation in Invercargill in August.

The winner progresses to next year's 12-nation World Cup in Rosario, Argentina, in August-September. The runnerup goes to a final qualifying tournament early next year.

* Schedule

July 3: v Argentina, Whangarei.

July 4: v Argentina, Whangarei.

July 6: v Argentina, Pukekohe.

July 7: v China, Hamilton.

July 8: v China, Pukekohe.