Hockey: Women seek to emulate successful men's side

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Encouraged by the success of the New Zealand men's team in winning their series against Canada, new national women's coach Ian Rutledge will be looking for more of the same when the Black Sticks hit off their four-test series against the Canadians in Palmerston North tonight.

Rutledge, whose first look at his players came in last month's trials, has worked with the squad for the past five days.

"I have been very impressed with what they have shown me," said Rutledge. "There is a high skill level and an immense work ethic. They have done everything I have asked of them.

"It is refreshing to work with athletes determined to give their best.

"There is a definite feeling of what we are doing now is different from what has been done in the past, which is not surprising.

"Any time you bring foreigners in you get different ideas," said Rutledge who has crossed the Tasman to pick up the reins let go by former coach Jan Borren.

The Black Sticks will play a normal formation, with three strikers, although Rutledge concedes that at times they may revert to a soccer-like 4-3-3 pattern.

"There will be a definite emphasis on the centre-half role, which will be undertaken in the main by Rachel Sutherland, with Lizzy Igasan and Meredith Orr providing the back-up if needed."

Rutledge can name 16 players from his 18-strong squad for each match.

All players will have had game-time by the end of the second test in Napier on Thursday night.

While the team have not been together since November's World Cup in Perth, Rutledge said he was surprised and impressed with the sharpness of his players.

New Zealand have five players with between none and four tests. Canada have six with between 75 and 110 caps, headed by 36-year-old defender Lisa Roberts with 110.

* The New Zealand men lost the last of their five tests against Canada 4-2 in Wellington yesterday but won the series 4-1.