16 Nov 2009

Black Sticks off to World Cup

6:40 am on 16 November 2009

The New Zealand men's hockey coach Shane McLeod is sounding optimistic of a good performance at the World Cup in Delhi in February.

The Black Sticks beat Malaysia 2-1 in yesterday's final of the qualifying tournament in Invercargil with the New Zealanders, who had completely dominated the tournament, not getting on top until the second half.

McLeod says that was probably due to the Malaysians playing well rather than any major concerns from his side.

He says they watched the All Whites on Saturday night and it was a big motivating factor for them.

McLeod says they have a good plan mapped out for the World Cup and his young side will have played 16 internationals toggether by the time they get theere.

The Black Sticks next assignment is the second tier Champions Challenge tournament in Argentian next month with the winner qualifying for next year's elite Champions Trophy tournament.