New Zealand's drag flick maestro Kane Russell. Photo: DIRK WAEM
A ticket to the Paris Olympics is on the line for the Black Sticks men after a big trans-Tasman win in Whangarei to level the Oceania Cup series.
New Zealand stormed out to a 3-nil lead against Australia to hold on for the riveting 4-2 victory - their first win over the Kookaburras since 2016.
Rookie George Baker says they'll be motivated when they face off in the decider.
"Obviously it's a prize that everyone in world hockey wants, that spot in the Olympics," he said.
"It would mean the world to us if we could tip Aussie and earn that first spot in Paris."
Sam Lane was the first to make the scoreboard light up, showcasing incredible skill as he grabbed an aerial ball in the attacking circle and sent it into the net on Saturday afternoon.
Momentum was firmly with the Kiwis when, two minutes later, drag flick maestro Kane Russell capitalised on a penalty corner. Before the Kookaburras could regain their composure, captain Nic Woods hammered another goal home, following a rebound from a penalty corner.
The Black Sticks women showcased a vastly improved performance against the Hockeyroos to record a 1-all draw.
They need a big win by a margin of three goals on Sunday to push the series to a shootout, or win by an unlikely four goals to claim the series.
While the the Black Sticks men, who are even on goal difference, need a draw in Sunday's decider to push the game to a shootout, or an outright win to seal the series.