Hockey: Black Sticks shoot for direct Olympics entry

By JULIE ASH

New Zealand women's coach Ian Rutledge admits it would be nice to spend next year preparing for the Athens Olympics.

But for that to happen the Black Sticks have to beat Australia in a three-test series starting tomorrow in Melbourne.

The winner qualifies as the Oceania representative for next year's Games. The second test is in Auckland on Thursday and the third - if required - in Whangarei two days later.

"If we qualify this time it would allow us to spend the next year preparing for the Olympics, which would be great," he said.

New Zealand and Australia last squared off in the Champions Trophy in Macau and in the playoff for the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games last year. Australia won both encounters, 3-1 and 4-3.

"They are renowned for being quick and having a fast line, and they have got the ability to score goals. They are also well resourced."

Rutledge, who replaced Jan Borren as coach in February, admits to having a little inside knowledge of the Australian side, working at the hockey centre in Canberra for the past three years.

The Australians have not played since the World Cup in Perth last December. However the Olympic champions, despite losing a number of players after Sydney 2000, still boast an experienced lineup.

"The Australia team have been preparing for this for the past two or three years, whereas we have been together for four or five weeks, and with a new coach."

New Zealand go into the series having beaten Canada in a four-match series this month. The same 18 players, who secured two wins and two draws against the Canadians, were retained for the matches against Australia.

"The team are feeling pretty good. We are quietly confident and there is a good feeling and buzz in the group," Rutledge said.

New Zealand have won just eight of 68 matches played against Australia, drawing three and losing 57. If they miss an Olympic spot this time they have another chance at a qualifying event in March.

New Zealand squad: Lizzy Igasan (Northland), Helen Clarke, Meredith Orr, Jan Rowsell, Karen Syddall (Auckland), Amanda Christie, Nikki Grimwood, Diana Weavers (Canterbury), Piki Hamahona, Caryn Paewai (Hawke's Bay), Tara Drysdale, Kayla Sharland, Anita Wawatai (Manawatu), Paula Enoka, Jaimee Provan (Nth Harbour), Suzie Pearce, Niniwa Roberts-Lang, Rachel Sutherland (Wellington).