Hockey: Testing series for new faces

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The new-look New Zealand men's hockey team will be up against it in the first of four internationals against Malaysia at Rosedale Park, Albany, this afternoon.

The visitors are ranked 11th in the world - six places higher than the New Zealanders - and, more important, have far more experience.

Led by 29-year-old Mirnawan Haji Nawawi, with 283 international caps, the 18-strong Malaysian squad have amassed a total of 1166 international appearances, at an average of nearly 65 each.

New Zealand's 17 players have a total of 496 caps, an average of 29.

Malaysia have two new caps to New Zealand's five, yet the New Zealanders' average age is closer to 23 than the Malaysians' 21.

"This will be a tough series," New Zealand coach Kevin Towns said.

"We have a number of new players and a new philosophy, especially about how we plan to play the game.

"I don't want to get exposed at the back as we have in the past.

"The wing halves have an important role in this and will have to work hard if we are to shut down Malaysia's skilful attackers."

Towns will be taking more than a passing interest in the play of centre-halves Dharmesh Puna and James Nation in his search for a back-up for his son Simon, who will almost certainly assume that role in coming matches against Australia when he returns from London.

Apart from debutant goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex, who will start in later matches, all players other than Dean Cousins will get game time today.

Following the lead of women's coach Jan Borren, Towns will use four players as captain during the series, with Brett Leaver, Bevan Hari, Hymie Gill and Umesh Parag taking turns.

Though the starting XI will not be confirmed until just before the 2 pm start, it seems the players to start the match will be Paul Woolford, Leaver, Alpesh Puna, Gill, Dharmesh Puna, Blair Hopping, Ryan Archibald, Mitesh Patel, Umesh Parag, Phil Burrowes and Hari.

Pontifex, Nation, Ryan Wilson, David Kosoof and Lloyd Stephenson will be kitted out and ready for action as replacements.