Hockey: Black sticks to meet Aust in semi

New Zealand won't be able to claim unfamiliarity with their opponents when they play Australia tomorrow morning for a spot in the Champions Trophy final.

They know each other well and most recently had a three-match series at home against the Aussies last month, for two draws and a narrow loss, and out of that came the knowledge that they are highly competitive against the team ranked No 2, two places higher than them.

The Black Sticks confirmed their place in the semifinals with a convincing 3-1 win over England in Mendoza yesterday, and were worth every bit of the victory.

Goals from Rose Keddell -- deflecting an Anita Punt drive at a penalty corner -- and Punt from another penalty corner drag flick in the first half gave New Zealand the initiative they play warranted.

They were more assertive going forward, frequently troubled the English defence, who conceded eight penalty corners.

Although Laura Unsworth pulled one back for England early on, Stacey Michelsen's tap in six minutes from the end sealed the win.

That was fitting as Michelsen, back in a forward role after helping out at the back against China in the last pool game, and Punt were the outstanding players. As befitting their status as senior players, they led by example against a team who have troubled the Black Sticks on big occasions recently.

They denied New Zealand an Olympic bronze in London -- although that was more down to the Black Sticks having a shocker -- and a chance for Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow this year.

There was to be no repeat yesterday.

"I thought the girls did really well today, I'm really pleased. The composure and the ability to both attack and defend well and to limit England to one goal and no field goals, I thought was pleasing," coach Mark Hager said of the win achieved in 37C heat.

Michelsen was chuffed to have a strong game, after being critical of herself in recent matches.

"I've been pretty rusty so it was good to play a little bit better in such an important game," she said.

Her key for the Australian game is to replicate the pressure they put on England.

"The pressure we put on was really good. We came our really strong and that's something we've been working on, starting aggressively and that's something we'll try and do against Australia."

New Zealand were particularly assertive early in the final quarter, when England were searching for a way back into the match.

Only scoring from two of those eight penalty corner chances is something the Black Sticks will focus on in the day off before the semifinal. Against Australia taking those opportunities will be critical.

New Zealand have never made a Champions Trophy final. Their best finish is third in 2011.

If they beat Australia they will face either world No 1 the Netherlands, with whom they drew 1-1 early this week, or No.3 Argentina.

"They are a good side," Hager said of Australia. "In the last 18 months have been winning the big games, which is something our group is still learning to do.

"But hopefully if we have a strong game plan and execute it well, we are in with a good chance."

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New Zealand v Australia since 2010

* New Zealand will face Australia for the 23rd time since the start of 2010 for a place in the Champions Trophy final tomorrow morning, starting at 8.30am

* Of the last 22 clashes, New Zealand have won five, lost 10 and drawn seven, which include one loss on penalty strokes, one loss on penalty shootout

* Hosts Argentina and world No.1 the Netherlands meet in the other semifinal

By David Leggat of the New Zealand Herald

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