Hockey: Youthful NZ women's team named

A youthful New Zealand women's hockey team was today named to face the experienced Argentinian team later this month.

Ranked No 2 in the world, the Argentinian women's team - aptly named Las Leonas (The Lionesses) - will bring a fast, attacking style to New Zealand for a three-test series beginning in Hamilton on March 3. Two further tests are scheduled for Tauranga on April 2 and 3.

Coach Mark Hager said the opportunity to play against such a high calibre team was crucial for his team's build-up this year.

"With the women's World Cup, Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games all in the latter part of this year, this series will give the team another chance to put their skills to the test on the international stage," he said.

Hager has picked a young team of 20 players from his squad. The more experienced Black Sticks players such as Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor and Krystal Forgesson are currently overseas, along with Katie Glynn, and were not available for this series.

"Our focus is on the long game. The team has a huge year of hockey in front of them, and every game which builds our international exposure helps towards this."

The New Zealand team is: Kate Saunders, Piki Hamahona, Sally Rutherford, Ella Gunson, Beth Jurgeleit, Clarissa Eshuis, Lucy Talbot, Sam Harrison, Cathryn Finlayson, Gemma Flynn, Anna Thorpe, Laura Douglas, Kate Mahon, Natasha Fitzsimmons, Jasmin McQuinn, Stacey Michelsen, Anita Punt.