Hockey: Younger players show good form in Malaysia

Strong showings by some of the younger players in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup means the experimenting is likely to continue when the New Zealand men head to Europe this year.

Speaking from Kuala Lumpur after the Black Sticks had been beaten 4-2 by Pakistan in the bronze medal match, New Zealand coach Kevin Towns said he expected about 12 or 13 of the 18 players who played in Malaysia to go to Europe.

"There are a few players on notice," Towns said.

"The question of fitness is hanging over some players. We certainly answered a few questions by bringing some of our younger players over here.

"There were a number of players in their first international who can play for New Zealand for a long time."

Most played in the game against Pakistan, although Brad Shaw sat it out and Towns said he had struggled a bit in the heat.

Towns said the result of their last match was a bit disappointing.

"We made a bad mistake at the top of the circle which gave them their first goal. Their second was a good effort."

Down 2-0 after 19 minutes, the Black Sticks fought back. Dean Couzins converted a penalty stroke and Richard Petherick drag-flicked successfully at a penalty corner. Then came the drama.

The Pakistanis went 3-2 ahead with a goal which was scored after there had been a foot involved.

"We protested and Simon Towns was starting to walk the team off the turf when the umpire who had awarded the goal checked with the other umpire.

"He confirmed there had been a foot, but the first umpire allowed the goal to stand," Kevin Towns said. "The fourth goal came as we pushed too much in searching for an equaliser.

"But I don't blame the umpires for our results. We played well at times but did not penetrate the opposing circle enough."

Within a day or two of his return, Towns will name his squad for the European tour.

Those 18 players and others will be involved in a training camp next month.

In the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Australia beat South Korea 4-3.