The New Zealand men’s hockey team will have to regroup quickly from their 7-2 drubbing by Australia, because their next match is a virtual quarter-final against South Africa.
The Australians, the defending Commonwealth Games champions, overpowered New Zealand, after leading 4-1 at halftime.
Hugo Inglis in the 11th minute and Jake Smith, after 44 minutes, scored the two New Zealand goals.
The statistics were telling. New Zealand earned one penalty corner, Australia 14. New Zealand had nine shots at goal, Australia 21.
While the score was embarrassing for New Zealand, there were a few positives. They scored two goals against a very sound defensive unit, and if they can tidy up a bit of their own defensive work they should be much more competitive.
And goalie Leon Hayward had a good second spell against a rampant Australian attack, making several excellent saves.
South Africa, ranked No 11 in the world, are a tough team, but at least the destiny of the New Zealand side is in their own hands.
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth GamesTweet Share