The New Zealand women's hockey team admits it's time they had a win over the Netherlands, with their last victory over the Dutch coming 40 years ago.
Black Sticks players Sally Rutherford and Anita Punt. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Black Sticks take on the world number one ranked side in their second game at the World League finals in Argentina later this morning.
The Black Sticks opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over South Korea yesterday, while the Dutch beat Germany 5-1 in their opening game.
The New Zealand women have only beaten the Dutch twice, winning 3-2 in 1953 and winning in a penalty shoot out in 1975. They have drawn five times.
They've lost to them twice this year already although the Black Sticks didn't field their strongest side in those games.
Goalkeeper Sally Rutherford, who picked up her 100th cap in their win over South Korea yesterday, says it's time they changed that record.
"It's about time we beat them, as I say we've been very close each time we've played them so now is our chance, irrespective of people who are here, we always fancy our chances."
Meanwhile in the men's tournament in India, Australia beat Belgium 2-1 in the final.