Hockey: Next battle Argentina

Coach of the New Zealand Women's Hockey Team Mark Hager. Photo / Greg Bowker

Ever the perfectionist, New Zealand women's coach Mark Hager is always looking for more.

Series wins over Korea and Japan have not fully satisfied Hager, who has his sights set on the three-test series with worldNo 1 Argentina.

"The girls did well and obviously we are pleased to win the series - something we haven't done previously - but the real test will come from Argentina," Hager said.

"I hope they bring their best group of players. They will be very hard but that's what we want.

"They will punish if we are not diligent in our structure. They are very good on defence, just as they are very capable of scoring goals."

While the ever-busy Japanese were a good test with their nonstop style and approach, they were not as quick as the South Americans had been in the past.

Hager will still be without the key players he has excused to play in Europe. Anita Punt is off overseas too. Her pace will be missed but Hager hopes Emily Naylor will return from injury.

"We still have things to work on but we are getting there," said Hager.

"Defensively we have to get our players reading the leads they are being given better. That will come with more game time for players like Sophie Devine and Alana Millington.

"Sophie is a well-organised, skilful player but now has to step up. She realises she can no longer play both hockey and cricket at the highest level. Thankfully for us, she has opted to concentrate on her hockey."

Hager was also impressed with the progress shown by Sam Harrison but again stresses there is more to be done.

He has used almost 30 players (including the New Zealand A matches) in the series against Korea and Japan and on Monday will name the 18-woman squad for the Argentine series, which starts in Whangarei next Saturday and ends with matches at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium on March 28 and 29.