Anita Punt: India will be a tough test

Anita Punt in action against the Korean team

What an exciting time we have had so far in this hockey tournament. From the disappointment of a draw with Japan in our opening match, to the thrill of beating Argentina on Sunday night and a win over a gallant and skilful Korea on Tuesday to take top spot in our pool, we still have not played to our full potential but we have improved and that was what we set out to do.

The game against Korea was very physical and I certainly felt their intensity in the first few minutes when I took a couple of whacks, but that's the game we play and you have to learn to ride those strong tackles and not let the physicality affect you.

Speaking of the physical nature of what we do: it's pretty hard on the body to play at this intensity without much of a break. We played four test matches in five days leading into the cup and now we have played three tough matches since Saturday. I am starting to feel a little weary but winning matches and finishing at the top of our pool is just such a great feeling. I guess that's why I keep playing.

We next meet India in the quarter-finals and they will provide a very special challenge. They may be ranked 13th in the world but Australia found out just how tough they are when held to a nil-all draw on Tuesday night. They have new coaching staff and are starting to perform pretty well, so we are expecting tonight's quarterfinal to be a very tough game.

I am writing this on a "day off". We may not be involved in a match but there is no relaxing round a pool and drinking iced tea. The usual plan for a "day off" is a gym session and there is generally a training session at some time during the day.

There are also team meetings to attend and there will probably be a chance to discuss our next opponents' style of play. I try to find some time to relax but our days are pretty full, even if they are officially called "days off".

Well, it's time to get a little more shut eye before the big game. Our quarter-final against India will be tough but the girls are up for it.

We would love to have you cheer us on tonight at 5.30pm at the Regional Sports Park.

See you there.