The world No8-ranked New Zealand are halfway through the second of two four-game series against Malaysia and South Korea.

James Coughlan likens it to the start of a marathon; New Zealand's men's hockey team begin a five-month buildup to the Rio Olympics in Tauranga tomorrow.

The Black Sticks have won a second consecutive match against world No 2 Argentina to go 2-1 up in their six-match series in Mar del Plata.