The New Zealand men's hockey team have failed to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games after losing the final of the Oceania Cup to Australia in Stratford 3-2.
The New Zealand captain Simon Child laments his team's defeat. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Australia, the No.1 team and world champions, scored twice in the first half through Glenn Turner and Jamie Dwyer.
James Coughlan snatched one back for the Black Sticks before half-time only for Trent Mitton to restore the Kookaburras' two goal advantage in the third quarter.
With the clock counting down, Kane Russell notched New Zealand's second goal, but the home side were unable to find an equaliser.
New Zealand coach Colin Batch said his team played above its level and showed heart to stay in the game after giving up the early lead.
"I'm proud of the guys' performance. It was one of our best matches over the last three years.
"They're extremely disappointed. It was their dream to go to Rio. They gave it everything," said Batch.
With another year remaining on a four-year contract, Batch said he'll sit down with Hockey NZ in the coming weeks to discuss his future.
He said he'll remain in the job if he has the support of the sport's governing body in New Zealand.
Earlier, New Zealand were also beaten by Australia on penalties in the women's final.
New Zealand’s Ella Gunson Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Petrea Webster opened the scoring for the Black Sticks before Laura Barden responded for the Hockeyroos late in the first half.
The final two quarters were goalless, sending the match to a penalty shoot out that Australia won 2-1.
Fortunately, the New Zealand women's team had already secured their berth at the Rio games.
The Black Stick Charlotte Harrison was the scorer for the hosts with Mariah Williams and Jodie Kenny securing the 2-1 penalty shoot-out win for Australia.
In the playoff games, Fiji claimed the bronze medal after an 11-1 win over Samoa while Samoa Women leave with bronze medals as the third highest placed Oceania team at the tournament.