Hockey: Defensive lapse proves costly

UNITED STATES - A defensive mistake followed by what coach Ian Rutledge described as a comedy of errors led to the only goal of the match as New Zealand went down to South Africa at the women's Champions Trophy tournament in Virginia Beach yesterday.

The loss, the first suffered by the Black Sticks after two wins and a draw, left them in second place behind the South Africans on the points table.

A win over Japan in their final round-robin match tomorrow morning will still guarantee New Zealand a place in Sunday's final, providing England do not beat South Africa tomorrow by more than four goals.

"The goal the South Africans scored, and it came in the opening 10 minutes, was against the run of play and knocked the girls' confidence," Rutledge said.

"It was one of those things where the defence got caught and gave away a silly goal.

"But, having said that, we did enough from that point to have won.

"After halftime we had enough chances to come back.

"We did not take those opportunities and I suppose we could say we had no luck. We forced six penalty corners to one.

"I feel that rather than play their opponents, they tended to play the scoreboard and lost some of their composure," Rutledge said.

"I certainly would not fear them [South Africa] if we got through to play them in the final.

"They are one of the most experienced sides here. They play with a certain intelligence, but I have no doubt we are a better team.

"Even allowing that South Africa have done everything right, I feel England and New Zealand are the best sides here, even if England suffered a shock 4-0 loss to Japan.

"Defensively we have been very good, with Lizzy [Igasan] and Sheree [Phillips] playing at the back, and Emily [Naylor] also slotting in at times.

"In goal, Beth [Jurgeleit] has played against England, Spain and South Africa. Anita [Waiwatai] played in the win over the US."

Against South Africa, Jaimee Provan went close to equalising, but had her shot cleared off the line.

Kayla Sharland also had chances.

After today's rest day, Rutledge will put out his strongest team for tomorrow's game, with all players fit and available for selection.