Hockey: Hager laments Black Sticks errors against Argentina

Captain Anita Punt scored the Black Sticks' only goal in the opening game, from a penalty corner. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand have suffered back-to-back losses to Argentina as they prepare for the Champions Trophy starting in Mendoza, Argentina, this weekend.

The women's Black Sticks, ranked No4 in the world, were beaten 2-1, then 3-0 yesterday by the team ranked one spot above them.

Coach Mark Hager was left to lament New Zealand's mistakes.

"We are creating goal-scoring opportunities, particularly tonight," Hager said. "We're just not good at taking them."

Captain Anita Punt scored the Black Sticks' only goal in the opening game, from a penalty corner.

In yesterday's game, New Zealand managed 25 circle penetrations to Argentina's 15, and squandered three open nets. Two one-on-ones with the Argentine goalkeeper went begging.

By contrast, Argentina's three goals came from just six shots.

"We have to tighten up a bit because the good teams will punish you," Hager said.

He is hopeful attacker Sophie Cocks will play a part in the friendly against Germany tomorrow night (NZT) to prove her fitness after suffering a blow on a leg against the United States recently. She played a small part in both games against Argentina.

Key defender Liz Thompson also picked up a bang on a leg in yesterday's game.

The Black Sticks' opening cup game is against world No10 Japan on Sunday morning (NZT).