It was a tough first test for the Black Sticks Men, beaten 6-1 by world champions Australia in Cairns tonight.
The Australians, who led 2-1 at half time, were quick on the counter attack allowing them to create opportunities and capitalise on them throughout the game.
It is a disappointing result, but sometimes the biggest losses are the biggest learnings. We came here to find out where the cracks are in our game, we will review the video tomorrow and see how we can improve, says Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod.
Rob Hammond started the scoring for Australia in the 11th minute when he converted a penalty corner, and Des Abbott made it 2-0 two minutes later.
Palmerston Norths Nick Wilson put the Black Sticks on the scoreboard in the 20th minute when he scored from a tight angle thanks to a good pass from Simon Child.
The Australians got on a roll early in the second half, with Russell Ford scoring in the 36th minute then soon after Joel Carroll converted a penalty corner taking it to 4-1.
With ten minutes left to play, Ford got his second goal of the night as did Abbott in the final minute.
North Harbours Blair Hopping played his 250th test tonight since debuting against Pakistan in 2000. He becomes the fourth Black Stick to have reached this significant milestone. Other players are Ryan Archibald, Phil Burrows and Dean Couzins.
The Black Sticks play their second test against Australia tomorrow night at 8pm (NZT).
Hawkes Bay is Principal Partner of the Black Sticks Men and Women.
RESULT
Australia 6 (R Hammond, D Abbott x2, R Ford x2, J Carroll) New Zealand 1 (Nick Wilson) HT: 2-1
