Russell Burgess will become part of yet another chapter in the New Zealand-Australia sports battle when he plays for the New Zealand 50s men's team at the first World Masters Hockey Cup in London.
Wanganui man Burgess leaves today for the event, which starts around August 16 and includes New Zealand teams in the men's 45s, 50s and 55s age-groups, and in the 40s and 45s in the women's section.
While this is the first Masters World Cup, it follows the international tournament last year in Singapore in which Australia knocked New Zealand out of the top two places in the semifinals in extra time. But two years ago New Zealand 50s men beat Australia in a test in Newcastle.
And with the Aussies now in New Zealand's pool, battle is about to be rejoined.
"Australia is always tough, they put us out in the semi in Singapore - and we have quite a different team this time. Probably 50 per cent of the players are different from the last trip," Burgess said.