Hockey: Japan score surprise first test draw against NZ

New Zealand's Nick Haig comes under pressure from Japanese players during the first test in Mt Maunganui last night. Photo / Alan Gibson

A last-minute goal enabled Japan to pull off a surprise 2-2 men's hockey draw with the far higher-ranked New Zealand in their opening international at Mt Maunganui last night.

Manabu Hatakeyama got the crucial goal for world No 14 Japan, as sixth-ranked New Zealand squandered a two-goal lead in the first half.

It was far from the start to the three-game series the Black Sticks were looking for.

Japan, young and inexperienced, had to scrap hard with New Zealand having the bulk of the possession in the first spell.

New Zealand got out to a 2-0 through goals by midfielder Steve Edwards, with a smart reverse stick shot after seven minutes, then Stephen Jenness doubled the lead after a strong run.

Japan nabbed one goal back, against the run of play, through a neat reverse stick shot by Ippei Fujimoto.

New Zealand had a couple of penalty corner opportunities which they couldn't capitalise on. Near the end, Japan took their goalkeeper off and won a penalty corner of their own, from which Hatakeyama delivered some Japanese delight.

Japan drew one and lost two of their warmup games against a strong Invitation XI in Auckland last week.

The second test is at the Mount tonight.