Olympics: Black Sticks make it two-from-two

New Zealand Black Sticks players Kayla Sharland and Emily Naylor celebrate a goalduring their win over South Africa. Source / Brett Phibbs NZ Herald

The New Zealand women's hockey team continued their hot start in pool B, beating South Africa 4-1 to make it two wins from two.

After opening the Games with a vital 1-0 win over Australia, the world No 6 Black Sticks needed to earn a second victory against 12th-ranked South Africa to stand a chance of progressing to the medal rounds.

The had few problems achieving that aim today, racing out to a second minute lead thanks to a Charlotte Harrison deflection from a penalty corner. Clarissa Eshuis doubled New Zealand's advantage from another penalty corner, before captain Kayla Sharland made it three late in the first half.

South Africa pulled back a goal early in the second spell but Sharland notched her double to make the win safe.

The Black Sticks now have a couple of days to prepare for a crunch match against Argentina on Friday morning (NZT). New Zealand will probably have to beat either the second-ranked Argentines or third-ranked Germany to be in with a chance of making the medal round.