Hockey: Conquering coach still rates Kiwis

SYDNEY - Legendary Australian women's hockey coach Ric Charlesworth is sure New Zealand will have no problem reaching next year's Olympic Games even though his side dominated the three-test Oceania Cup series which ended on Sunday.

Australia extended their winning run over New Zealand to 33 matches following their 4-0 and 2-0 victories last weekend and a 1-0 result in Dunedin last Wednesday.

Charlesworth, who was one of Australia's greatest players and has coached the Hockeyroos to virtually every world title they have contested, said it had been difficult to break the New Zealand side down throughout the series.

He believed that while their more defensive structure didn't necessarily promote a good spectacle, it was effective.

"I'm sure they'll be back here again next year [for the games]," Charlesworth said.

"We got a few extra goals in this last test but New Zealand were playing for a spot in the Olympics in the first two games and they were strong.

"They're ranked sixth in the world, which I think is probably realistic. South Africa and England are seventh and eighth and they're probably at the same level."

Because they didn't win the series, the New Zealanders' last chance to qualify for the games will be at a tournament in Milton Keynes, England, next March.

New Zealand coach Jan Borren admitted Australia were getting closer to their best in the third test.

"We competed quite well, perhaps a little better than the second test. But Australia were very sharp and made the most of their chances.

"The series was already decided coming into it so our approach was a little more relaxed and we experimented with our playing style."

Borren said his side were too good not to make it to the games next year.

The two matches at the weekend had sparked the team's resolve, he said, and were important as they could visualise the excellent facilities and surface when they prepared next year.

New Zealand will host China in a three-match series later this month. - NZPA