Hockey: Black Sticks name World Cup squad

Simon Child scored a goal in this 200th international. Photo / Getty

New Zealand will send an unchanged squad to the World Cup in The Hague this month.

The group of 18 is the same as that which contested the Champions Challenge tournament in Malaysia three weeks ago, in which they suffered a shock quarter-final exit on penalty strokes to the hosts.

Elevan players have played more than 100 tests, led by captain Dean Couzins and Phil Burrows, both of whom have passed the 300-mark.

Eight players are new to the team since the London Olympics, while midfielder Shay Neal, now over a long term hip injury, will travel as 19th player to cover any late injuries. He will leave the group before the tournament starts, providing all players are fit.

"We now have good experience as individuals while as a team we are still learning a lot and have seen huge growth," coach Colin Batch said.

"This is a huge tournament for us, we want to do well and are all very excited."

Sicth-ranked New Zealand are in pool B alongside hosts the Netherlands, Germany, Korea, Argentina and South Africa.

The World Cup starts on May 31.

New Zealand's team for the World Cup:
Goakeepers: Hamish McGregor (Southern), Devon Manchester (Auckland)
Defenders: Andy Hayward (Midlands), Dean Couzins (c, Auckland) Alex Shaw (Capital), Kane Russell, Blair Tarrant (Southern)
Midfielders: Nick Haig (Cantebury), Phil Burrows (Capital), Arun Panchia (Auckland), Shea McAleese (Central), Steve Edwards (North Harbour).
Strikers: Simon Child, Marcus Child, Jared Panchia (Auckland), Hugo Inglis (Southern), Stephen Jenness, Blair Hilton (Capital).
Travelling reserve: Shay Neal (Northland).