FIH Pro League : Black Stick Men name side to take on Great Britain

The Vantage Black Sticks Men will be looking to build on the great start they have made to the FIH Pro League when they play the first international hockey match at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch.

International Field Hockey will return to Christchurch for the first time since Porrit Park was destroyed in the 2011 Earthquakes.

The Black Sticks have been impressive in their opening two matches of the FIH Pro League when they came from 3 goals down against the World Number 3 side The Netherlands before eventually going down 4-3.

The following weekend they then took the World Number 1 and World Champion Belgium side to a shootout after drawing the game 4-4. The Black Sticks will look to continue their positive style of hockey they have been playing and look to put the Great Britain side on the back foot from the start of the game.

The last time these two sides met was at the 2018 Hockey World Cup when (as England) they beat the Black Sticks 2-0 to knock them out of the World Cup.

The Black Sticks are playing a much more attacking style of hockey and will challenge the Great Britain defence a lot more in this match.

Look out for Great Britain Co Captain Phil Roper who will consistently trouble the Black Sticks defence. Roper also has a habit of scoring when his side needs him to the most.

Hugo Inglis has been sensational up front for the Black Sticks in the first two matches having scored 3 goals and playing a great facilitator role in setting up the other attackers.

Inglis is currently the leading goal scorer of the FIH Pro League and will look to continue this rich vein of form and help the Black Sticks as they look to upset the Great Britain side.

Nic Woods will line up for his 100^thtest match. Nic at the age of only 23 has established himself as one of the most reliable and exciting midfielders in international hockey.

Against the World Champions last weekend Nic showed class to provide a lot of set up play and shut down the electric Belgium midfield.

Darren Smith says “Great Britain is a well organised side which moves the ball around really well. They will be another tough challenge for our team.”

Vantage Black Sticks Men vs Great Britain Men. Friday 8th February at 5:30pm. Coverage is on TVNZ 2

New Zealand Men’s Squad