Hockey: Minor changes planned for crucial second clash

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Encouraged by "more good than bad" from the first game of their Olympic qualifying tri-series with Australia, New Zealand women's coach Ian Rutledge is keenly looking forward to tomorrow night's crucial clash at Lloyd Elsmore Park.

Needing a victory to realistically keep the series alive, Rutledge said there would be some "minor adjustments" following Sunday's 2-0 loss in Melbourne.

"We did not change anything from what we had done in the four tests against Canada," said Rutledge. "We played reasonably well and got into positions from where we should have scored goals.

"To be competitive we have to stop the Australians penetrating critical areas of the pitch. Often those breaks came down to the speed at which they play.

"By stopping them, our indecision would not be so magnified. Encouragingly, our players are now more aware of that.

"We are only three weeks into a new development programme," said Rutledge, who has stepped into the coaching shoes left vacant by former coach Jan Borren. "There is still a degree of uncertainty."

Rutledge admitted the Australians had played pretty much as he had expected.

"They looked to attack as quickly as they could and were always keen to get the ball to their centre-forward either by playing it high or through the midfield."

In converting two of their nine scoring chances in the first test Australia deserved their win, which takes them to within sight of booking their place at next year's Olympics.

"We are trying to do the same thing in playing the ball quickly to our centre-forward. But for us it is a case of the players relearning their trade," Rutledge said.

"Long term we are going to be a very good team. But at the moment the focus is on winning Thursday's game and taking the series to a third game in Whangarei on Saturday.

"I saw a definite step up on Sunday from what we had shown against Canada. We are getting stronger and stronger."

Although he feels the Black Sticks all played well first-up, Rutledge reserved special praise for captain and goalkeeper Helen Clarke.

"She kept us in the game and complemented a solid defensive effort. Helen showed she is probably one of the best goalkeepers in the world, just as Suzie Pearce showed her ability as one of the best inside-forwards."

Rutledge said he had seen little different from the Australians - with one reservation.

"I was surprised with Angie Skirving's drag-flick at penalty corners. The last time I watched her she was only getting it knee high, the goal she scored in Melbourne went into the roof of the net."

Rutledge would like to see something similar at set play from his players. He is confident it will come but says that, like other changes, it needs patience.

If New Zealand do not win this series and with it the Oceania spot at the Olympics, they have a further chance in March when the national association hosts the women's Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland.