Hockey: Recovering Shaw won't be rushed back, says coach

Drag flick expert Hayden Shaw has been included in Shane McLeod's 18-strong Black Sticks squad for the World Cup qualifying tournament but he is most unlikely to play opening round matches against Wales and Scotland this weekend.

Shaw, recovering from pneumonia, has been training with the team in the changeable weather conditions in Invercargill but McLeod is in no hurry to rush him back.

"We hope he will be ready to play the third game, against Malaysia on Tuesday," said McLeod after training on the match turf yesterday.

McLeod sees the third and fourth games - against Malaysia and, two days later, China - as crucial, although he admits "it is not essential to go through [to Sunday's final] unbeaten".

The top two teams after round-robin play will meet in the final with the winner claiming one of three remaining spots in the 12-nation World Cup in New Delhi from February 28-March 13 next year.

While expectations are again high, McLeod says the challenge is probably not quite as great as it was early last year when the team beat Argentina at North Harbour to claim their place at the Beijing Olympics.

"There is not a team of the same quality as Argentina here," said McLeod. "While that might make the task a little easier, there can be no room for complacency. But, if we do everything right, we should go through quite comfortably."

China appear the biggest threat to New Zealand. Surprisingly, the Chinese did not arrive in Invercargill until yesterday morning, giving them little time on the turf before a potentially difficult tournament-opening clash with Scotland at noon today.

In a switch made after the Oceania Cup, what was originally designated as the No 2 turf has been reconfigured as No 1 and will host all matches.

"That was the right call," said McLeod. "The old number two is definitely better but it is still a bit skippy."

McLeod is looking for a strong start in the matches against Wales and Scotland.

He has one huge advantage.

In terms of experience, the Black Sticks are well ahead of their rivals with his 18 players boasting an average of 101 international caps. China, with 70, are next while the Welsh average just 24.

Young striker Hugo Inglis will not have to wait long for his first cap as he is certain to get some game time this afternoon against Wales. Captain Phil Burrows will add to his already impressive 222 appearances - one more than Ryan Archibald. Key defender Blair Hopping also has more than 200 caps while 21-year-old Simon Child already boasts 106 caps.

Richard Petherick will play his 50th international today.

Given that experience, McLeod has been able to place the emphasis on fine-tuning this week.

"As top seeds, we are expected to do everything well," said McLeod. "I'm happy with what we have achieved and feel we are ready for the challenge."

There will be matches today and tomorrow, on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday with Monday, Wednesday and Friday as rest days.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

* Invercargill, today - November 15
* Competing teams (world ranking in brackets):
New Zealand (8)
China (13)
Malaysia (16)
Austria (20)
Scotland (24)
Wales (29)