Hockey: Four Tauranga players in Black Sticks team for Argentina

Rose Keddell is one of four Tauranga players named in the Black Sticks team for Argentina. Photo / File

Tauranga's Sam Charlton, Frances Davies, Rose Keddell and Amy Robinson have been named in the Vantage Black Sticks Women to travel to Argentina next month.

Two-time Olympian Anita McLaren will suit up for the first time since the Rio Olympic Games. McLaren (nee Punt), with 247 internationals to her name, is one of 20 players named to play Argentina in a five-test series from February 20-27 in Buenos Aires.

As the Vantage Black Sticks Women's leading all-time goal scorer, 30-year-old McLaren will add some venom to her side's attack, especially from penalty corners.

Striker Michaela Curtis has earned a recall while goalkeeper Brooke Roberts will have an opportunity to show her stuff against the world's No 3-ranked side.

Stacey Michelsen (244) and Charlton (208) add significant experience to the talented group with striker Kirsten Pearce returning after missing the Sentinel Homes Hockey World League Final in Auckland through injury.

Head coach Mark Hager is looking forward his team's first hit-out of 2018 ahead of an important year which includes the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and World Cup in London.

"This is a great series against quality opposition which allows us to test ourselves and see where we are all at leading into the rest of the year," he said.

"It's great to have Anita back with the group and she will certainly add a lot of speed and athleticism to our midfield as well as her experience. We're looking at the series as a good opportunity to also give some young players extra exposure, such as Michaela Curtis, Tarryn Davey and Madi Doar.

"Sally Rutherford was named goalkeeper of the tournament at the World League Final so Grace O'Hanlon and Brooke Roberts have been given an opportunity on this tour to continue building depth in that crucial position."

The Vantage Black Sticks Women's 2018 National and Development Squads will be announced later this week.

Black Sticks squad v Argentina
Sam Charlton (Tauranga), Michaela Curtis, Tarryn Davey, Frances Davies (Tauranga), Madison Doar, Shiloh Gloyn, Ella Gunson, Sam Harrison, Pippa Hayward, Anita McLaren, Rose Keddell (Tauranga), Olivia Merry, Stacey Michelson, Brooke Neal, Grace O'Hanlon, Kirsten Pearce, Brooke Roberts, Amy Robinson (Tauranga), Kelsey Smith, Liz Thompson.