Riding a high after their encouraging win against the world's second-ranked Argentinians on Wednesday, the Blacks Sticks women's hockey team were handed a harsh lesson yesterday - thumped in the second test in Tauranga.
Three goals in each half paved the way for the visitors' comprehensive win which tied thethree-test series at 1-1 following New Zealand's outstanding 3-1 victory - their first win over the South Americans since 2000 - in Hamilton less than 48 hours earlier.
Argentina arrived in New Zealand after a 2-1 test series (with the fourth test drawn) win over Australia.
"We were totally outclassed today," said Black Sticks coach Mark Hager. "They are, obviously, an older and more experienced team and that showed."
Argentina made the most of their chances at penalty corners with four of their six goals scored from such set plays. They converted four of eight while the Black Sticks failed to score from their only short corner.
Goals to Macarena Rodriguez and Josefina Sruoga - both from penalty corners - had the visitors 2-0 ahead after just 12 minutes. Before halftime captain Alejandra Gulla scored from open play for 3-0.
The Black Sticks created some half chances in the second half but failed to convert as Argentina counter-attacked well to score another three.
"We were brought back to Earth," said Hager. "They [Argentina] were angry after the loss in Hamilton and came out determined to make amends. They really celebrated after the win which shows what it meant for them.
"We got over-awed and looked tired. It was a vastly different tempo than we showed in Hamilton. We were not fit enough to match what they threw at us. It is a work in progress and it showed some of our players were underdone.
"We have to get our fitness levels up if we are to match the top teams," said Hager. "The Argentinians out-muscled us and we cracked.
"But, the good thing is we can still win the series. They gave us a hockey lesson but we are still in it.
"The players have accepted they were out-played and have to step up. They are pretty gutted but they also accept that's what international sport is all about."
Hager has called in some lesser experienced players to cover for the players still involved in club hockey in Europe and while that experience is invaluable he wants to see more. They will not have a better chance than in today's deciding third test, also in Tauranga (at 1pm). Terry Maddaford
