Hockey: Five new caps as Black Sticks' coach widens his options

New Zealand women's hockey coach Ian Rutledge has named five new caps in his side to meet Japan and Korea in a Tri-Nations tournament next month.

The selections are a result of Rutledge broadening his options before next year's Olympic Games qualifying series in Auckland.

Four of the new caps have been called in from outside the squad of 24 named after the national trials in April - Auckland teenager Frances Kreft, Canterbury's Stacey Carr, North Harbour's Connie Igasan and Manawatu's Pania Mateparae.

Wellington goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit was in the squad.

Rutledge has left some experienced players behind for the tournament in Japan, but said the move was a necessary part of the side's development.

Among those to miss selection for Japan include strikers Jaimee Provan, of North Harbour, and Amanda Christie, of Canterbury, and North Harbour defender Paula Enoka.

"We need to develop a broader group so that we don't have any doubts or unconfirmed thoughts going into next year's Olympic qualifier," Rutledge said.

He wants to improve New Zealand's goalscoring conversion rate and distribution from deep defence.

Notable inclusions in the side are right-half Caryn Paewai, who returns from foot surgery, and fullback Lizzy Igasan, who rejoins the side after a break for a family bereavement. Striker Piki Hamahona returns in another move to develop the side's goalscoring options.

New Zealand are to play a test against Japan on September 7 before the Tri-Nations event starting on September 9.New Zealand: Helen Clarke (capt), Frances Kreft, Meredith Orr, Karen Syddall (Auckland); Stacey Carr, Jo Galletly, Diana Weavers (Canterbury); Piki Hamahona, Caryn Paewai (Hawkes Bay); Tara Drysdale, Pania Mateparae, Melody Rowe, Kayla Sharland, Rachel Sutherland (Manawatu); Connie Igasan, Lizzy Igasan (North Harbour); Beth Jurgeleit, Suzie Pearce, Niniwa Roberts-Lang (Wellington).

- NZPA