Hockey: Coach keen to see clash

Wellington coach Rod Journeaux is determined to watch his team chase a place in next week's national league grand final. He will fly back from Australia for tomorrow's must-win clash with Auckland.

As manager of the New Zealand team at the junior World Cup in Hobart, he flew to Australia on Thursday, but will be back for the key Lion Foundation league match at Auckland Grammar.

Apart from Kyle Pontifex, who has shared the goalkeeping duties with Hugh Biss, Journeaux has lost none of his regular lineup to the national side.

Auckland coach Keith Rowley is, on the other hand, without Ryan Archibald, arguably the league's most influential player.

"On paper you have to favour Wellington," Rowley said. "With both teams needing to win to ensure they play the final, it promises to be a cracking game."

Leaders, and defending champions North Harbour, can book a home final by beating Canterbury in Christchurch tomorrow.

If Harbour lose, the final make-up could be thrown open if Auckland and Wellington draw and Wellington take the bonus point from the penalty stroke tiebreaker.

If Canterbury lose and Midland Express beat Northland in Whangarei, Canterbury, once the powerhouse of New Zealand hockey, could again find themselves involved in the wooden spoon playoff.

The women's competition is more clearcut with Auckland set to host Canterbury in the final. After losing three in a row, Wellington could edge North Harbour out of the third-fourth play-off by beating Otago tomorrow.