Hockey: Korea win gives coach big reason to smile

Shane McLeod. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

The smile is returning to Shane McLeod's face. Thursday's 4-1 win over world No 6 Korea signalled a change in fortune and form for the national men's team and their coach.

"It has taken time," said McLeod, who has gone through the frustration of a lost series to Belgium and a hesitant start to the five matches against the Koreans in the Malaysia Airlines Golden Summer Series.

"It has been about exposing new players and we are achieving that."

McLeod agreed that without their best players, the Black Sticks are under-powered but when the opportunity to blood new players arises it must be taken.

For one reason or another, Ryan Archibald, captain Phil Burrows, Brad Shaw, Dean Couzins and Kyle Pontifex - all first-choice internationals in recent years - are missing.

"Ideally, you always want to play your best," said McLeod. "But you also have to be mindful of building for the future."

Up to six or seven players are expected to quit after the forthcoming Olympic campaign.

"I would expect we will take our best possible team to May's Azlan Shah tournament in Malaysia and after that the focus will be on the Olympics - either a qualifying tournament or, hopefully, the Olympics themselves.

"With such a tough programme, it is going to be difficult to look outside the tried and tested players."

Young North Harbour midfielder James Coughlan, who was given his chance when fellow Harbour player Steve Edwards was injured early in the Belgium series, has impressed McLeod and may well come into contention for the Malaysian tournament.

"Some players who get their chance do exceed expectations but he, like others, needs to show more consistency," said McLeod.

"That will come provided he gets the game time he needs."

McLeod had been impressed with the manner in which Shea McAleese has stepped up to lead the team in Burrows' absence.

"It has been a good chance for him to lead the team. He has been well-supported by Blair Hopping. I have also been encouraged what Richard Petherick has shown us filling in for Dean [Couzins] at fullback and the manner in which Simon Child has led the attack.

"In goal Steve Graham has made the most of his opportunity in playing every minute of every game.

"He has accepted the responsibility of stepping in while we rest Kyle Pontifex."

As well as his commitment to his team, McLeod also kept an eye on the Black Sticks women, who scored a clean sweep over Korea in their series.

"They are making real progress," said McLeod. "This team has the best basic skills I have seen for a number of years.

"If they continue the progress they are showing I see them as a definite medal contender at the Olympics."

New Zealand v Korea (men) Tauranga Today/tomorrow 3pm