Hockey: Valuable games for Black Sticks before Oceania Cup series

Cory Bennett of the men's Black Sticks plays a pass during the Test Match between the New Zealand Black Sticks and Japan. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's hockey teams have secured valuable lead up opposition ahead of their Oceania Cup series in Taranaki next month.

The women's Black Sticks, ranked fourth and who have already qualified for the Rio Olympics next year, will play world No 3 Argentina in four internationals in Blenheim (October 3 and 4), Nelson (October 6) and Christchurch (October 9).

It's the second time that Argentina's national women's team have been to New Zealand this year. They contested the Hawkes Bay Festival tournament and had games in Gisborne in April.

The Black Sticks women have never played in Blenheim before.

The men's national team play India in Nelson and Christchurch. Ranked seventh, New Zealand play India on October 6 and 7 in Nelson and in Christchurch on October 9 and 11.

India are ranked one spot behind New Zealand and will provide quality opponents for Colin Batch's team, who must beat world No 1 Australia in the Oceania Cup to secure a place in the Olympic field.

It is six years since the Indian men last played in New Zealand.

''The biggest thing for us is having good competition in the build-up to a tournament," Batch said.

''We last played in June and we identified that it was important for us to secure competition before Oceania Cup - so this series will be good preparation.

''The team selected could be significantly different, so having four international tests before we face Australia will help."
New Zealand A men's team will play India at North Harbour on October 2 and 3.