Hockey: Australia edge Black Sticks

Captain Anita Punt in action against Australia. Photo / Photosport

The New Zealand women's hockey side were denied at the death by a last-minute winner from Australia's Emily Smith in Wellington today.

Following a draw in the first test, the second match was full of attacking flair and the score see-sawed throughout as the Black Sticks worked hard to turn over ball and put the Australian defence under pressure.

Captain Anita Punt and Petrea Webster got on the scoreboard but, despite their best efforts, the Black Sticks came away with a defeat that means they can't claim the series.

"Unfortunately, we lacked composure and the urgency at the end of the game," Punt said. "We needed to keep it simple, hold possession and just make better decisions.

"We had a lot of chances, we were getting shots on target and making the goalie work hard. Our field goals are definitely a positive going forward."

Ahead of the final test on Tuesday, Punt believed the message from coach Mark Hager would be to do the basics better.

"Improve our passing and hold our structure, we have to make the traps. Whenever we mis-trap we put ourselves under pressure and then we rush and throw it away.

"There are a lot of new faces coming through and it's great to see them playing with confidence. There are a few little structural things we need to improve on, but the new players have only played USA and so it's a big step up to play Australia - the No 2 side in the world."

After Australia's Emily Smith opened the scoring in the 14th minute, Punt received a pass from Northland's Ella Gunson and slotted it home from the top of the circle. But the parity was short-lived as, 30 seconds later Hockeyroo Kathryn Slattery got the better of Kiwi keeper Georgia Barnett.

In the final quarter, Webster was all smiles when she superbly finished off a good piece of play to tie it up. But, in an action-packed finale, it was Smith who secured the win for Australia.