Hockey: Keeper chases century cap in World Cup

Black Sticks captain Kayla Sharland (L) has 106 caps and goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit has 94 as the team heads to Argentina. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Beth Jurgeleit needs to play six games at the World Cup to join the growing group of New Zealanders who have played 100 or more internationals but she will not be handed any favours by coach Mark Hager.

"Selections will be made on form," said Hager. "Even in situations like this there can be no room for sentiment. I will select the player I think is best on the day."

Jurgeleit, 30, a popular team member and the outstanding goalkeeper in recent times, is likely to be first choice for the five pool matches and the one or two play-offs that follow.

But Hager said North Harbour's Bianca Russell, 32, has "really improved her penalty corner defensive play" and would come into serious consideration if he felt that skill could be decisive against a team which poses a real threat at penalty corners.

There will be no such concerns for Auckland striker Krystal Forgesson who heads to the World Cup in Argentina with 98 caps and will join captain Kayla Sharland (106), Emily Naylor (133) and Stacey Carr (115) in the "100 club".

Hager welcomes this growing list of experienced players after putting out an often untried squad since taking over as Black Sticks coach.

"We are finally growing the experience we need," said Hager who welcomes back Sharland to lead the team after missing this month's Champions Trophy through injury.

Of the team Hager took to Manchester for the Champions Trophy, Kate Mahon and Laura Douglas have missed selection.

"They are both unlucky to miss out but I felt we need to cover a few lines in defence. Laura is unlucky that Kayla has come back in and will fill the pivotal centre-half role. Ella Gunson and Stacey Carr will share those duties."

Asked about the number of goals the Black Sticks concede, Hager agreed that remained his major concern but was reluctant to place all the blame on his defensive players.

"Too often we have been put under pressure at the back because we have turned the ball over and been punished on the counter-attack. We have to stop turning the ball over just as we have to lift our attacking play to get more shots on goal or at least force penalty corners."

While a testing schedule, Hager is happy with the World Cup draw which pits the No 7 ranked Black Sticks against No 4 Germany first-up.

The following matches are against top-ranked Netherlands, Japan, Australia and India.

The top two teams in each pool meet in the semifinals.

While Hager will chase that, he has realistically set his sights a little lower with a top six, or perhaps seventh overall, almost certain to guarantee automatic qualification for the 2012 London Olympics.

Of more immediate concern is the need to forward his 16-strong squad for this year's Commonwealth Games to the New Zealand Olympic Committee today.

BLACK STICKS FOR CUP
Rosario, Argentina: August 29-September 11

Goalkeepers: Beth Jurgeleit (Wellington), Bianca Russell (North Harbour).

Defenders: Clarissa Eshuis (Midlands), Natasha Fitzsimons (North Harbour), Emily Naylor (Central), Lucy Talbot (Auckland).

Midfielders: Stacey Carr (Canterbury), Gemma Flynn (Midlands), Ella Gunson (Northland), Samantha Harrison (Auckland), Stacey Michelsen (North Harbour), Anita Punt (Wellington), Kayla Sharland (Central) (c), Anna Thorpe (Northland).

Strikers: Krystal Forgesson (Auckland), Katie Glynn, Piki Hamahona (Central), Charlotte Harrison (Northland).

Black Sticks schedule:
* August 30, v Germany (world ranking 4)
* September 1, v Netherlands (1)
* September 3, v Japan (9)
* September 5, v Australia (5)
* September 7, v India (13)
* September 9-11, play-offs