Hockey: NZ too good for France

Black Sticks goalscorer Phil Burrows. File photo / Getty Images

New Zealand continued their build-up for the Champions Trophy hockey tournament with a 4-0 win over France in Paris this morning (NZ time).

It was the Black Sticks' second win against France after beating them 4-2 yesterday. The third and final match of the three-test series will be played on Wednesday morning.

New Zealand dominated the game and led 2-0 at halftime.

Phil Burrows, Nick Wilson and Shea McAleese scored field goals, with Andy Haywood adding to the score with his trademark dragflick from a penalty corner.

France had a total of 16 shots on goal but Dean Couzins was solid in defence and along with goalkeeper, Kyle Pontifex, helped keep them scoreless.

Black Sticks coach, Shane McLeod, said the team had made progress since its first test against France, but he was looking for further development in the third match.

The elite six-nation Champions Trophy begins on Sunday at Monchengladbach, Germany.

- NZPA