By DAVID LEGGAT
Ryan Archibald's hockey knowledge won't be entirely lost to the New Zealand men's team.
The classy Auckland midfielder was ruled out of the Games this week, when his broken leg failed to heal sufficiently by the deadline.
But he hopes to be a sounding board from the stands when New
Zealand kick off their campaign against world No 3 Australia tomorrow afternoon. .
There had been some thought Archibald, son of 1976 gold medal-winning team member Jeff Archibald, might be blended into the official support team.
He is sticking around anyway to meet friends and holiday in Europe after the Games.
However, as he has no access to the Olympic village - his place in the squad of 16 having gone to North Harbour's David Kosoof - he will be restricted to the odd day pass.
So his dealings with the team will be informal.
"Interaction with the team will be very limited," he said. "Obviously, I can see them at the ground and offer any thoughts. It's always good to have an outside view."
New Zealand's 2-1 win in a practice game against world champions Germany on Thursday was a timely boost.
Archibald warned against reading too much into the outcome, but it does hint that they could make an impact in the 12-team competition.
"It's so tight across the 12. But if they play well and to their potential, they will be in the argument at the end," he said.
"They are pretty measured in their thinking,.
"But if they keep progressing I'm confident they will be pushing the big guns."
The New Zealand women's team start their campaign against China early on Tuesday (NZ time).
* New Zealand v Australia tomorrow, 5.30pm (NZT)
* New Zealand v Netherlands, August 18, 5am
* New Zealand v Argentina, August 20, 5am
