Hockey: McLeod calls for focus

A glitch-free run has New Zealand men's hockey coach Shane McLeod warning against complacency as he looks to tomorrow's World Cup hockey qualifying final at Invercargill.

New Zealand, averaging six goals a game as they bulldozed past Malaysia, China, Scotland and Wales this week, have made the decider with one preliminary round game to spare - against Austria tomorrow.

Malaysia and China meet tomorrow, with their match deciding who will play New Zealand in the final.

The winners of the tournament will advance to next year's World Cup finals at Delhi, India.

McLeod was pleased the New Zealand attack has been operating with clinical efficiency, though admitting they were playing some of the weaker sides in the world.

The Black Sticks at No 8 are the highest-ranked team at the tournament, followed by China 13, Malaysia 16, Austria 20, Scotland 24 and Wales 29.

McLeod said having had a good run so far, the team will have to maintain their standards in the final and not get complacent.

He said he would prefer to meet China in the final.

"Malaysia are an unpredictable, inconsistent side and they know us well as we have played each other many times."

- NZPA