Two of the Black Sticks Men’s new caps, Blair Tarrant and Stephen Jenness made their international debut for New Zealand against Germany earlier today (Tuesday, July 13) in the team’s first game of the Four Nations tournament in Nottingham, England.
While the final result of a 3-1 loss against the world’s number two was not what the debutants would have wished for, Coach Shane McLeod said the new caps did impress.
“It was a relatively good performance against one of the best international teams in the world and Blair showed real ability and confidence on his debut.”
Overall, the team put in a solid performance against Germany. Other players who shone out were Stephen Graham in goal, who made some good saves early on in the match to keep the score a nil all draw at half time, and Richard Petherick who took a senior role in the defensive unit.
However, in the second half Germany broke through the Black Sticks Men’s defence to score three field goals in relatively quick succession (41st minute, 45th minute and 53rd minute).
A field goal by Blair Hilton in the 61st minute put New Zealand on the scoreboard, but not enough.
Captained by Shea McAleese, McLeod is looking for this younger team to improve over the next two games.
The Black Sticks Men take on Japan next in the Four Nations on Wednesday, July 14 at 4pm local time (NZT 3am, Thursday July 15).
While the Black Sticks Women come up against world number two, Argentina, later today (NZT) at the Samsung Champions Trophy tournament in Nottingham. The game will be broadcast live on SKY Sport 3 tonight at 10pm (NZT).
More information on the Samsung Champions Trophy tournament is available via the microsite www.samsungchampionstrophy2010.sportcentric.com for the latest updates.
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