N.Z. hockey adopts Dutch style?

Press, 1 September 1982, Page 42

N.Z. hockey adopts Dutch style?

PA Dunedin New Zealand’s traditional hockey style may change when a national squad is chosen in Christchurch next week. Mr Brian Maunsell, the convener of the New Zealand selection panel, which is in Dunedin for the national tournament, said yesterday that some of the selections

i may fit into a possible change in New Zealand’s 1 style. ? “At the moment New Zeas land plays the traditional t Asian 2,3,5 formations," Maunsell said. ? “However, we have been 1 looking at the Netherlands i and Australia, which play 1 1.3,3,3 and 4,3,3 formations respectively and may make > some adaptations of these

styles to New Zealand's play.” Although there may be some changes to the NewZealand style, Mr Maunsell said he will still be looking for the skilful players on whom New Zealand has based its international reputation. “We will still require a high level of technique and look at players who can

apply their skills consistently. In the past we have displayed a high level of skills but our consistency at international level has been a little frail.” Messrs Trevor Blake and Robert Campbell, the other members of the selection panel, will be in Dunedin later this week, and the squad will be put before the New Zealand Hockey

Association’s management committee meeting in Christchurch on Monday.. The 25-man squad will be brought together for a series of matches in Palmerston North in the second weekend of October, after which a 16-man team to compete in the Esahda invitation world tournament in Melbourne on December 9 will be announced.