Hockey: The son also rises - fast

Though barely in their 20s, two of the national side's stars are seasoned veterans, reports TERRY MADDAFORD.

In a career spanning 16 years, Jeff Archibald, regarded as one of the best to play hockey for New Zealand, has made 101 international appearances.

His 20-year-old son Ryan, in just his fourth year with the national side, has already played more than half that number.

Ryan Archibald went into the series against Malaysia on 54. By the time he plays the fourth test - in a demanding five-day schedule - at Rosedale Park in Albany tomorrow afternoon he will have reached 58.

With matches against Australia (away) and India (at home) also looming, it will surely not be long before he overhauls his father's tally.

Asked whether he thinks 200 is a realistic target, Archibald says he has not thought that far ahead, but concedes that with the heavy international programme these days, it is certainly possible.

Aucklander Archibald and Wellington's Phillip Burrows - who celebrated his 21st birthday and 23rd international on Anzac Day when New Zealand beat Malaysia 1-0 in the first test at Rosedale Park - are seen as the faces of the new breed of New Zealand hockey players in a hurry.

Burrows started as a five-year-old, Archibald was a year older.

Both have hockey as their only winter sport. Both played cricket in the summer - Archibald a couple of years in the Auckland Grammar School first Xl and Burrows four years at the same level at Newlands College, which he admits is "hardly a world cricketing power."

They were team-mates in New Zealand's upset win over the Australian under-21s last year and will be together again in Hobart in September for the junior World Cup.

"We feel some responsibility as the New Zealand team rebuilds," Archibald says.

"We both play in the middle of the park - at inside or centre-forward - so a lot of play comes through us.

"But we are not the only young guys.

"The standard at the trials was high, with the younger players showing they are worth their place.

"It is less than 18 months to the Commonwealth Games, so it is vital we start getting a team together and getting the international play we need."

Burrows also comes from a hockey family. His father went to Australia in 1969, and his brother played for New Zealand up to under-21 level.

"I'm enjoying my hockey at this level," says Burrows, who rates last year's under-21 win over Australia as his biggest thrill.

"Now that I'm there [in the national side], I want to stay."

Burrows, who intends going to a technical college in July, admits work is not a high priority in his life.

"I played in the Australian league for a couple of months and now have games against Australia and India, some national league matches and then the junior World Cup to look forward to. It is pretty much full-on."

Archibald has become adept at juggling his hockey and BA/B-Com studies at Auckland University.

"I'm in my fourth year and probably have one and a bit to go.

"Before or after that, I would like to go to Australia like Phillip did and play there, and then maybe head off to Europe."

While they give the appearance of having been born with hockey sticks in their hands, the pair have put in some hard work.

They credit off-season gym or aerobic work as a key to their success.

* Archibald and Burrows will be in action this weekend in the remaining tests at the Auckland Grammar water turf (today) and Rosedale Park (tomorrow) as New Zealand look to extend their 2-0 series lead against the higher-ranked Malaysians.

"The pace stepped up from the first test to the second, and I expect the remaining tests to be more of the same," says New Zealand coach Kevin Towns.

"Everyone who has played has put their hand up because they are well aware there are still three places in the team for Australia up for grabs."

Towns says the visitors have closed Archibald down quickly, but he still managed to score twice in Thursday's 4-1 test win.