The Black Sticks Women are ready for a tough challenge when they face off against Japan in the quarters at the FIH World League Semi-Final in Antwerp.
The Black Sticks' Gemma Flynn and Anita Punt. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The two sides have had a balanced record against one another in recent times with each team coming away with one win and a draw in the last three encounters.
The Black Sticks were unbeaten through pool play and are looking to maintain that momentum going into the sudden-death clash.
In fact the Kiwi defence has yet to concede a single goal through four pool games.
Defender Liz Thompson said they are expecting Japan to play a defensive style but that they are also dangerous on the counter attack.
"Japan are always a really solid team to play and I think it's quite good that the last two games against them have been a draw and a loss," she said.
"We're not going to go in ahead of ourselves and we know they are going to be tough, but we're looking forward to it."