The New Zealand women’s hockey team clinched a spot in the Commonwealth Games semi-finals after a 0-0 draw with Australia today.
It was a clash of heavyweight proportions with the fierce trans-Tasman rivals refusing to give an inch at either end of the turf.
New Zealand’s best chance came when Madi Doar found herself open in the circle but her quick-fire shot was deflected just over the cross bar.
With the New Zealanders’ pool phase now complete, the draw currently places New Zealand on top of Pool B with eight points after two wins and two losses.
The draw guarantees New Zealand a place in Thursday’s semis with Australia still able to leapfrog to top of the pool if they beat Scotland on Tuesday.
Coach Mark Hager said it was a tough match but it was pleasing to ensure an opportunity to play for a medal.
“I thought Australia dominated us and put us under a lot of pressure at the back early on, but we then changed a few things and got a roll on,” he said.
“It became a war of attrition in the midfield but I thought our defence stood up and Brooke Neal, Liz Thompson, Ella Gunson and Sally Rutherford in goal all put in strong performances to keep us in the game.
“We’re likely to come up against England or India in the semis, so we will sit back now and see how it unfolds. Whoever we face we know it will be a tough battle.”