Experienced
midfielder of New Zealand Ryan Archibald will help the Black Sticks men in
their effort to qualify for the Rio Olympics at the World League semifinal
which is starting in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. The 34-year-old midfielder with
284 test caps missed the International Challenge in Hobart last month where the
New Zealand hockey side faced three defeats and won just in one game. They must
finish in top three at the 10-nation tournament in Argentina to secure their
place in Rio 2016 while a top four finish will see them going through to the
World League final in India in November. Already experienced squad selected by
head coach Colin Batch is enhanced by the experience of Archibald.
Just
6 of the 18-strong squad have played less than 100 tests while Phil Burrows,
skipper Simon Child and Shea McAleese have over 200 caps for their country.
Although world No 1 Australia beat them in Hobart but South Korea, who will be
their rival in pool match in Buenos Aires, also defeated New Zealand 3-1. The
meeting of world No 7 Black Sticks and World No 8 Koreans in Buenos Aires will
decide who finishes second in pool A. New Zealand will start their campaign
with match against Egypt on Thursday followed by Japan, the Netherlands and
Korea on Friday, Monday and Wednesday respectively.
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