The New Zealand women's hockey team continued their hot start in pool B, beating South Africa 4-1 to make it two wins from two.
After opening the Games with a vital 1-0 win over Australia, the world No 6 Black Sticks needed to earn a second victory against 12th-ranked South Africa to stand a chance of progressing to the medal rounds.
The had few problems achieving that aim today, racing out to a second minute lead thanks to a Charlotte Harrison deflection from a penalty corner. Clarissa Eshuis doubled New Zealand's advantage from another penalty corner, before captain Kayla Sharland made it three late in the first half.
South Africa pulled back a goal early in the second spell but Sharland notched her double to make the win safe.
The Black Sticks now have a couple of days to prepare for a crunch match against Argentina on Friday morning (NZT). New Zealand will probably have to beat either the second-ranked Argentines or third-ranked Germany to be in with a chance of making the medal round.
