Hockey: Injuries hit Black Sticks

Injuries have forced two of New Zealand's most experienced players out of next month's Indira Gandhi Tournament in New Delhi, but coach Ian Rutledge expects Di Weavers and Niniwa Roberts-Lang to be fit for the vital Oceania matches in late October-early November.

Weavers, a long-time Canterbury defender who was preparing to play for Midlands in the National League which starts this weekend, has been suffering with a hip injury and feels she needs more rehabilitation time.

She may or may not play some NHL matches, but hopes to be fit to play for the Black Sticks in the Oceania matches here on October 30 and in Sydney a few days later.

Her place has been taken by Auckland inside-forward-cum-defender Kate Saunders, who played four games for the national side at the 2002 Champions Trophy in China.

Forgesson, 22, replaces Wellington striker Roberts-Lang, who injured a calf muscle while playing last weekend.

New Zealand, who are ranked sixth in the world, will play Australia (ranked third), India (15th), Russia (16th), Malaysia (25th) and Lithuania (26th) in New Delhi.

Their first match, against Lithuania, is on October 1.

The final is scheduled for October 8.