Australia have defeated the Vantage Black Sticks 3-0 to book an automatic spot in the Pioneer Energy Womens Tri Nations final in Cromwell.
The Hockeyroos kept a clean sheet against New Zealand while Savannah Fitzpatrick, Ambrosia Malone and Stephanie Kershaw all scored from the field to seal the result.
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Kiwis will now face off against Japan in a must-win playoff at 4:30pm on Saturday, with the winner going through to meet Australia in the final.
Saturdays playoff and the final on Sunday will both be streamed live at www.tab.co.nz and the Vantage Black Sticks Facebook page.
Head coach for the series Sean Dancer said it was disappointing not to make more of their opportunities.
"While the score may not suggest it, I thought we played some very good hockey in patches. Credit to Australias defence which really closed down a lot of our attacking game," he said.
"We know we need to be better and Saturdays playoff against Japan offers a good challenge to try and progress to the final."
The Pioneer Energy Womens Tri Nations is proudly supported by presenting partner Pioneer Energy and the Central Otago District Council.
Odds for games at the Tri Nations are available at www.tab.co.nz along with a special promotion. Simply download the TAB app, set up a new account, deposit $20 using the promo code 'HOCKEY' and TAB will boost your account with a further $20 as well as give $20 to Hockey New Zealand.
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VANTAGE BLACK STICKS 0
AUSTRALIA 3: (Savannah Fitzpatrick 14, Ambrosia Malone 40, Stephanie Kershaw 57)
Halftime: Australia 1-0
- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Hockey NZ
