International tournament news

WC Preparation Hockeyroos and Kookaburras step up World Cup preparations in WA

2010-2-9

Both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will be hoping to hit form this month as part of their 2010 World Cup campaigns, with both teams playing a number of test matches in WA in preparation.

A total of eight international matches will be played in WA over the coming four weeks, six Hockeyroo matches and two Kookaburra matches.
 

The Hockeyroos, currently ranked 5th in the world, will take on New Zealand (ranked 9th) and Korea (ranked 11th) as a preparation for the BDO World Cup Qualifier event which will be held in Santiago, Chile from April 24 - May 2.
After suffering a surprise loss in the final of the Oceania Cup to New Zealand in August last year, the Hockeyroos were denied direct access to the 2010 Women's World Cup which will be played in Rosario, Argentina from August 29.
They will need to win the BDO World Cup Qualifier to earn a spot at the World Cup.
 

Their opposition will include Chile (ranked 16th), Ireland (ranked 15th), Malaysia (ranked 22nd), Scotland (ranked 23rd) and Trinidad & Tobago.
 

Given their path to the World Cup has been made more difficult since the loss at the Oceania Cup, no doubt the Hockeyroos will look forward to some revenge when they play New Zealand in the coming weeks.
 

While the Kookaburras will only play two matches in Western Australia, these games will be of utmost importance given that they will be played on the eve of the 2010 Hero Honda FIH Men's World Cup which will take place in New Delhi, India starting on February 28.
 

Although the Kookaburras, currently ranked 2nd, are not in the same pool as New Zealand (ranked 8th) at the World Cup, these matches against a quality opposition will be vital in allowing them to perfect their game plan.
 

The Kookaburras have finished runners up at the last two World Cup tournaments and have won the World Cup once in 1986. The Kookaburras are expected to announce their World Cup squad on Monday.
 

In addition to these test matches, various AIS squads will also compete against the visiting nations throughout the month.
International Schedule
 

Sun Feb 14 - Hockeyroos V NZ
Tues Feb 16 - Hockeyroos V NZ
Wed Feb 17 - Hockeyroos V NZ
Kookaburras V NZ
Fri Feb 19 - Kookaburras V NZ
Tue March 2 - Hockeyroos V Korea
Wed March 3 - Hockeyroos V Korea
Thur March 4 - Hockeyroos V Korea
Along with a number of Australia A, AIS and SIS/SAS matches.

Source Hockey NSW