The Australian Kookaburras will face their toughest challenge yet at the Commonwealth Games when they face New Zealand in their final group game. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:30pm (AEST).
The Kookaburras have been in fine form on the Gold Coast, but victories over South Africa, Scotland and Canada don’t prove anything more than that they are beating lower-ranked opposition.
Playing New Zealand is a potential gold medal match preview, with the sides right at the top of the tournament.
In a lot of ways, being in the same group is positive for the two sides. It means there is no chance they can face off in the semi-finals, meaning the best final the tournament could produce is likely.
While England and India are going well in Group B, it’s unclear just how they would go tasked with playing the Kookaburras or Black Sticks.
The teams will set out to avoid injury and work on combinations and formats ahead of the knockout stages in this one. Both sides are through to the second round regardless of the result and with no clear preference on playing either India or England, there is almost nothing on the line.
As mentioned, Australia have recorded three victories, while the Kiwis have done the same, both teams sitting with a +13 goal difference.
Stunningly, the Aussies have conceded just the single goal in the tournament – that’s in 180 minutes of play – in a 6-1 rout of Scotland in their second game, while they beat Canada and South Africa 4-0.
Even with New Zealand scoring 17 goals for the tournament, if that defence holds, it’s unlikely they are going to find a way through, as was the problem when they played in the 2017 Oceania Championship, being swept by the Kookaburras.
Prediction
This could be an end-to-end game, with both teams looking to push the pace and find scoring opportunities. Defences are better than what they have faced though and it’ll come down to which team executes better.
Australia have been strong, they should win this one.
Australia 2 – New Zealand 1.
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Scott Pryde
Expert
And the Kookaburras hold on! They win 2-1 and finish top of their group, set to take on the loser of India and England who play tonight.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
LOL keeper is out are AUS allowed to bomb it at goal from within their own defense?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Here we go! New Zealand sub their goalkeeper, win a penalty corner and with 82 seconds left it's 2-1.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Australia go up 2-0 with Trent Mitton scoring just minutes from time. Australia should now finish top of their group, undefeated to the finals.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Wow what desperate defence be AUS amazing last ditch read definitely saved a goal.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Three quarters done and it's 1-0. New Zealand unable to convert on plenty of opportunities in that 15 minutes.
Scott Pryde
Expert
It's reasonably competitive at the top end. In fact, I'd rate Belgium (rank 3) and the Netherlands (rank 4) as the best team in the world ahead of the Aussies. Australia should beat New Zealand, but there's not a heap in it.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, moving through to halftime now. Jacob Whetton has continued his impressive form, putting a goal in for the Kookaburras who controlled that quarter for the most part and lead it 1-0 at the main break.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
I dont know how competitive Grass hockey is in terms of rankings but seeing as Aus are 1st and NZ are 7th would it be a miracle upset win for NZ or just a minor upset? I only have Football to compair to where 7th beating 1st wouldn't neccessarily be that uncommon especially with the difference tactics that come into play.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Work the channels Australia midfield runs. Bring in Kurgen Klopp!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Apologies for not having the blog up and running here folks. Australia and New Zealand tied up at 0-0 after a quarter. Very even so far.