Hockey: Chance for new caps to impress

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Two 19-year-olds are among five new caps named in the New Zealand men's hockey team for this month's four-test home series against Malaysia.

Striker Lloyd Stephenson and defender Dean Cousins forced their way into the 17-strong squad after some bold efforts at the Easter weekend trials when 42 players were put through their paces.

The other newcomers are goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex, Holland-based defender/midfielder James Nation and inside forward Ryan Wilson.

None of the newcomers is, however, among the 13 players also named yesterday for the three tests against Australia in June, although that door is still open.

National coach Kevin Towns said the format of having the players together for such intensive play had worked well. Although two squads were named, there would be changes if necessary.

Pontifex, 21, has leapt into contention with some solid play and gets the nod ahead of fellow Wellingtonian Hugh Biss to join Paul Woolford as the keepers to play Malaysia.

Current No 1 Michael Bevin and Woolford have been named for the Australian matches.



Experienced defender Brett Leaver - who has 135 caps - returns to lead the defence against Malaysia and will obviously be a contender to captain the team in the absence of Simon Towns.

Towns is in London, but will be back in time to play against Australia.

Solid work over the summer has given North Harbour striker David Kosoof another chance.

After making his debut as one of 24 players used against Argentina last year, the 22-year-old failed to make the 18-strong high-performance squad, but his solid form at the trials earned him a recall.

Ryan Archibald, only 20 but already with 54 internationals behind him, looks set to increase that tally.

Also named are the Puna brothers of Midland Express. Alpesh, 23, is a two-game international, and Dharmesh, 24, has the chance to add to his five international caps.

Darren Smith, playing in Belgium, was unavailable for both series, but coach Towns said there was a chance he might now be available to go to Australia.

Other recent internationals not considered for the Malaysian games included Dion Gosling and Andrew Hastie (in Holland), Andrew Timlin (taking a break) and Wayne McIndoe (work commitments). McIndoe has, however, been named to play Australia.

The Malaysians will provide a stern test for New Zealand because they play a largely defensive European-style game. They finished 11th at the Olympics and beat New Zealand 4-2 in their previous encounter, in February 2000.

There will also be a home series against India in June.