Hockey: China are Black Sticks' big foe

Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

China loom as the biggest hurdle for the Black Sticks as they chase one of three qualifying spots in next year's World Cup in India.

It is also the chance for revenge.

The International Hockey Federation yesterday released the make-up of the three qualifying tournaments to be held in France (October 31-November 8), Invercargill (November 7-15) and Argentina (November 14-22). The three winners go through to the February 28-March 13 World Cup in New Delhi.

Pakistan, beaten 1-0 by South Korea in the Asia Cup final earlier this year after drawing 1-1 with China in pool play, are the highest-ranked team, at seven, chasing a World Cup spot. They will play in the qualifying tournament in France where Japan (14) are their highest-ranked opponent.

New Zealand (8) are the highest-ranked team for the Invercargill tournament, with China (13) and Malaysia (16) next best.

The final qualifier, in Argentina, promises to be a close-fought contest between the hosts, at 10 in the world, and the ninth-ranked Belgians.

"China cost us the chance of a medal at last year's Olympics," said Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod. "The 2-2 draw was a heart breaker."

And while he expects China to be the toughest for his team to beat, McLeod is also wary of the Scots.

"Scotland are a bit tricky," admitted McLeod. "But we at least have the home draw in our favour, which is a huge advantage."

Playing on the new turf at last week's Oceania Cup gave his players invaluable game time, but McLeod is unsure as to whether they will play on the No 1 pitch or No 2 for the qualifiers.

"We practised on No 2 while we were there, and it seemed to be a truer surface," said McLeod.

McLeod and Hockey New Zealand have already begun their search for a likely opponent for a three-test series, which will follow the National Hockey League, as a final preparation.

"Japan would be a good choice," said McLeod. "They probably play closer to the style we can expect from China. They will be preparing for the qualifying tournament in France.

"Australia are another possibility given they are preparing for the Champions Trophy which is being played in Melbourne from late November."

McLeod and fellow selectors Keith Rowley and John Christensen will watch all NHL matches before naming a squad to prepare for the qualifiers.

Only Ryan Archibald, captain Phil Burrows, Dean Couzins, Ben Collier and Shea McAleese have been excused from the NHL - to play for their European clubs - but all will return for the test series and the qualifiers.

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Teams qualified ( world rankings in brackets)
* India (12) hosts
* Germany (1)
* Australia (2)
* Spain (3)
* Netherlands (4)
* South Korea (5)
* England (6)
* Canada (11)
* South Africa (15)

Teams to play qualifying tournament, Invercargill November 7-15
* New Zealand (8)
* China (13)
* Malaysia (16)
* Austria (20)
* Scotland (24)
* Wales (29)