Hockey: Pontifex back in Black Sticks squad

Goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex has returned to the Black Sticks squad. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Veteran goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex has won a recall to the New Zealand hockey team after a three-year absence for the upcoming four-test series against India next week.

Pontifex, 35, was in the London Olympics squad but his fine form for Capital on their way to winning the Challenge Shield at the national league last month demanded a return to the national group.

With 156 caps, Pontifex enhances the experience factor too and even though three seasoned internationals, Andy Hayward, Phil Burrows and Shea McAleese, made themselves unavailable due to overseas commitments, there are still 12 players in the squad of 23 who have played 130 or more matches for the Black Sticks.

''You can't deny he was a big factor in Capital's win," coach Colin Batch said.

''His organisation and experience at the back can certainly help our group, and (first choice keeper) Devon Manchester."

The squad for the Oceania Cup will be confirmed at the end of next week. That tournament, in Stratford from October 21-25, is crucial for New Zealand.

They must beat world No 1 Australia to advance to the Rio Olympics next year. The women's Black Sticks have already secured their spot in Rio.

The only uncapped player is Midlands versatile Matt Rees-Gibbs.

''He played very well last year more as a striker, this year he performed pretty well in midfield," Batch said.

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''We're thinking of him as a striker. He's very collective in his play. He understands the pressing side of the game and we'll throw him in and see what he can do."

India, ranked eighth, one spot lower than New Zealand, were the first team to qualify for Rio and Batch expects they will present a quality challenge.

''They are pretty strong on penalty corner attacks and renowned as a fast, attacking team, similar to Australia in that respect. We've got to manage that situation pretty well," Batch said.

A New Zealand invitation team is also playing two games against India, this afternoon and tomorrow at North Harbour, which will also go into the mixer to help Batch make his final selection for the Oceania Cup.

New Zealand play India in Nelson on Tuesday and Wednesday, and in Christchurch on Friday and Saturday.

New Zealand squad:
Goalkeepers: Devon Manchester (Auckland), Kyle Pontifex (Capital)
Defenders: Nick Haig, Bradley Shaw (Canterbury), Arun Panchia, Dwayne Rowsell (Auckland), Blair Tarrant, Kane Russell (Southern), Alex Shaw (Capital).
Midfielders: Ryan Archibald (Auckland), George Muir, James Coughlan (North Harbour), Nick Ross (Southern), Nic Woods (Midlands).
Attackers: Simon Child, Marcus Child, Jared Panchia (Auckland), Nick Wilson (Central), Steve Edwards (North Harbour), Hugo Inglis (Southern), Stephen Jenness, Blair Hilton (Capital), Matt Rees-Gibbs (Midlands).