Hockey: Pakistan fight cold and Kiwi grit for victory in second test

By SUZANNE McFADDEN

Kitted out in long-johns and gloves, the Pakistan men's hockey side beat both the winter chill and New Zealand in the second test at Albany last night.

But they struggled with both - managing to elude the tenacious New Zealand defence only once.

Pakistan will have to get used to it - it's going to be just as bracing and just as tough-going in Sydney for the Olympics in a fortnight.

Pakistani manager Islahuddin Siddiqui explained those were two reasons why they accepted New Zealand's invitation to come here just before the Games.

"Tonight was very cold and our players found it very hard to hold on to their sticks," he said.

"We never play in the cold in Pakistan - 99 per cent of our games are in the warm evenings."

A burst of rain in the first half did not help the Pakistani cause, but they appeared to warm up in the second.

The New Zealanders, used to the bad weather, had plenty of near misses last night but were still heartened to hold one of the world's top teams to 1-0.

Pakistan's goal - a breathtaking low flick from the world master Sohail Abbas - came right on halftime, against the run of play.

Seven players made their international debuts for New Zealand in the test - the most impressive of them goalkeeper Hugh Biss, who foiled a stream of Pakistani shots.

It was an important night for 19-year-old forward Ryan Archibald, playing his 50th test for New Zealand.

Archibald had a stunning first half, weaving through the Pakistan defence, but it came to an end soon after halftime when he hobbled off with a badly bruised foot.

It was a very different game from the drawn first test on Tuesday. Pakistan changed their game plan, closing down the New Zealand attack and allowing them very little space to move.

New Zealand coach Kevin Towns took that as a compliment.

"It was great to see them having to change their game plan to counter us," he said.

"We had a good part of the first half again and it was a big ask for so many young guys ... to go out there against Pakistan. But they did it well."

New Zealand had the first real chance at goal - debutant defender Sunil Unka's penalty corner shot just wide.

Abbas' low drag flick shot from a corner knocked the New Zealanders off their stride in the second half.

Kiwi captain Simon Towns was outstanding in centre-field, setting up a string of opportunities that went begging. Right on fulltime, Darren Smith's shot in front the goalmouth flew over the top - the story of New Zealand's night.

New Zealand have a tough three days ahead of them - tests tomorrow and Sunday against Pakistan, and then Monday's first international against Olympic-bound Argentina.