Hockey: Black Sticks hammered again in Athens buildup

Coach Ian Rutledge is surprised by the apparent lack of intensity shown by the New Zealand women's hockey team following two heavy defeats in Europe as they build up for next month's Athens Olympics.

The Black Sticks were hammered 0-7 by world No 3 the Netherlands in Den Bosch yesterday morning in a display that Rutledge said was "very embarrassing, very disappointing" following on from a 2-5 loss to world No 6 Germany on Saturday.

With the Olympics just 16 days away, Rutledge conceded this was not where the team should be and he would have to go back to the drawing board.

"We had higher ambitions in our two matches so far. We felt that we would be a lot more competitive and there's no doubt we are disappointed with the results and hopefully that will give us the motivation and the boost that we need to maybe wake up a little bit," said Rutledge.

In yesterday's match, the team rarely looked like making a fight of it after going a goal down in the first minute and the Netherlands went on to mercilessly expose frailties in the New Zealand defence, adding a further three goals in the first half.

The listless side conceded three more goals, despite Rutledge calling for more teamwork at halftime.

Four penalty corner chances to New Zealand went unconverted and two good chances from one-to-ones went begging.

Rutledge said Canterbury midfielder Rachel Robertson stood out with her efforts but lacked support from the rest of the side.

New Zealand's next matches are against Germany in Bad Neuenahr, Germany, tomorrow and Saturday and they will also play the Netherlands again in a warm-up in Athens.

- NZPA