Commonwealth Games: Hockey men top group

Bradley Shaw of New Zealand is challenged by Meor Hasan of Malaysia. Photo / Getty Images

They're scoring goals, defending resolutely; the men's Black Sticks are in good shape heading for medals weekend at the Commonwealth Games.

First they beat England this week, 2-1, with a performance based on smart, determined first half defence, when the English threw plenty of offence at them.

Then today they rattled in six goals in a 6-1 win over Malaysia. So both ends of the field are working well. Even though Malaysia, at No 13 in the world, six seven spots behind New Zealand, goals matter to teams.

It engenders a good feeling that opportunities are being created and put away.

They'll expect far sterner defence from India in Saturday's semifinal and another few notches up again if they progress to Sunday's final against, almost certainly, world No 1 Australia.

"We're in that good space where we're doing the majority of our base game really well," captain and defender Dean Couzins said today.

"It's about topping that up, adding small details, being a little bit better in certain moments - how we outlet the ball, defend on our left side (for example) but it's nice to be rolling along."

There were a couple of goals at the key penalty corner set piece from Andy Hayward, while Nick Haig, Shea McAleese, Hugo Inglis and Bradley Shaw got one apiece.

"It's ideal preparation for us," coach Colin Batch said.

While it's very much first things first, Batch ventured a thought on what he'd seen of the Australians.

"They're a vastly different team to the World Cup (at The Hague last month). It's a team they want to build for the future. There's a lot of good qualities about their game but they're not at World Cup level, so that gives everyone a chance," former Australian international Bath said.

Couzins feels New Zealand are moving on nicely from the World Cup. Being a defender he has a special interest ink how that aspect is performing.

"You need the ability to defend with heart and desire but also the structure and quality of our play. Our one on one defending was very good against England.

"And what really pleased was scoring more goals, linking up and creating more, so we're in good shape."

New Zealand 6: Andy Hayward 2, Brad Shaw, Nick Haig, Hugo Inglis, Shea McAleese
Malaysia 1: Muhammed Razie Bin Abd Rahim