Hockey: Black Sticks warm up

The New Zealand men's hockey team, who leave for their five-match Japanese tour a week today, will play the first of two practice matches tonight.

The Black Sticks will line up against a North Harbour selection at Crown Relocations Stadium at 7pm.

New Zealand coach Shane McLeod is keen to see his players back in action for the first time since their disappointing loss in last month's Champions Challenge final in Belgium.

The second match will be played against Auckland next Wednesday.