HUGE TEST: If the Black Sticks beat the Hockeyroos today in Argentina they will qualify for a Champions Trophy final for the first time since the event started in 1987.
The Black Sticks' women are one win away from moving into uncharted territory at the Champions Trophy.
New Zealand take on rivals Australia in the semifinals in Mendoza, Argentina, today. The Netherlands and Argentina meet in the other semifinal clash.
If the Black Sticks can knock over the Hockeyroos they would qualify for a Champions Trophy final for the first time since the event started in 1987.
New Zealand's best finish at the tournament came three years ago in the Netherlands, when they beat South Korea in the bronze medal playoff to finish third.
Coach Mark Hager was pleased with the team's 3-1 quarterfinal win over England on Friday but acknowledged Australia would be another step-up in intensity.
"It will be hard. They always tend to be close games against Aussie. They are a good side and in the last 18 months they have been winning the big games - which is something our group is still learning to do," Hager said.
"Hopefully, if we have a strong game plan and execute it well, we are in with a good chance."
The Black Sticks have been a pleasant surprise at the Champions Trophy.
With former co-captains Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor taking time out, Katie Glynn injured and Gemma Flynn unavailable, the Black Sticks are missing key players.
Add in the retirements of Krystal Forgesson, New Zealand's joint all-time leading goal-scorer, and goalkeeper Bianca Russell, and the Black Sticks are without more than 1000 caps of experience from the side, which finished fifth at the World Cup in June.
Despite those defections, New Zealand have performed strongly, topping their pool and earning a 1-1 draw with reigning Olympic and World Cup champions, the Netherlands.
Skipper Anita Punt and Stacey Michelsen have stepped up in the absence of so many leading players, showing the way.
Punt has been lethal at penalty corner time, scoring three goals in New Zealand's last two games. Michelsen was a standout in the victory over England and impressed after moving from striker to right back for the China game.
Several younger members of the squad have also showed they are capable of mixing it with the best players in the world.
New Zealand has struggled against Australia over the past 14 months, winning just one of their eight games, with three drawn.
Australia won the three-test series 1-0 in Wellington last month with two draws played out.
But it could have easily gone the other way.
The Black Sticks conceded goals in the final 30 seconds in two of the games and also blew a 2-0 lead in the opening test.
Concentrating for the full 60 minutes and not allowing the Australians a sniff will be vital if the Black Sticks are to make history.
- Stuff
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