Hockey: Black Sticks lift game but Australia still too good

7.25am - By MARK GEENTY

ATHENS - New Zealand didn't get the win they were after but a 1-2 warm-up loss to reigning champions Australia at least got their Olympic Games women's hockey buildup back on track today.

Trailing 0-2 at halftime a rout was on the cards but the Black Sticks' defence successfully frustrated the Australians and a goal to Lisa Walton gave the scoreline some respectability.

Coach Ian Rutledge admitted concerns with the team's focus after the flat 0-3 loss to South Africa on Friday, but today's effort in the cooler Athens evening allayed them.

"We got into the village last week but there were distractions, the excitement of being there," Rutledge said.

"We didn't turn up against South Africa, it seemed it wasn't the most important thing happening on the day.

"Today we made sure hockey was the main focus, but we've still got a long way to go to maintain this performance for five matches."

The Black Sticks have been the life of the party at recent Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and were among the first to arrive at the New Zealand Games village.

But the time to get serious was running out with the opening match against China looming on Monday.

After conceding two soft goals in the first half today, Walton opened New Zealand's account with a blistering shot from outside the area which deflected into the top of the net.

The key was slamming the brakes on Australia's potent attack with a defence-orientated approach, and while the likes of Nikki Hudson sometimes looked a class above when given space, the goals were denied.

Experienced goalkeeper Helen Clarke also kept a clean sheet in the second half with some sharp saves after having no chance with the two early goals.

"You don't get the right to win matches and attack unless you sort out your defence first," Rutledge said.

"That's what we saw today, the girls really nailed down their defence and in the second half we were even quite dominant in patches.

Australia also came off complaining of physical play from the New Zealanders which was music to Rutledge's ears.

Left wing Jaimee Provan also had something to show for the physical clashes, copping an accidental stick to the back of the head which required ice treatment. There were no other injury worries.

New Zealand have one final warm-up match, against Korea on Thursday morning (NZT).

Then the focus turns to China, a team Rutledge was more than happy to face in their first match three days after the opening ceremony.

"They're a team that don't know a lot about us, so it's a good opposition to have first up."

Australia 2

New Zealand 1 (Lisa Walton)

Halftime: 2-0

- NZPA