More Trans-Tasman action for Vantage Black Sticks

The Vantage Black Sticks will head to Perth to face the Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras in a two-match series on 26 and 27 June.

Today’s news follows Friday’s announcement of a four match Sentinel Homes Trans-Tasman series in Palmerston North later this month – the first internationals in New Zealand since the FIH Pro League was interrupted by Covid-19 in March last year.

The two doubleheaders in Perth are the postponed FIH Pro League matches between the two nations that were originally scheduled to be played around Anzac Day this year.

Hockey New Zealand High Performance Director Tony Hanks said the Perth matches would be the ideal next step in the teams’ Olympic preparations.

“We’ve maximised the opportunities we’ve had at home with the North v South series and with the women playing men’s and boys’ teams.

“But the Black Sticks know there’s nothing that replaces quality match-play against genuine international competition like Australia, and even better to play them in their conditions.

Hanks added that the Perth series would allow the Black Sticks to replicate some of what they’ll face in Tokyo in terms of having matches on consecutive days and dealing with any Covid-19 counter-measures that may be in place at the Olympics.

Meanwhile, tickets went on sale today for the four doubleheaders in Palmerston North with tickets priced at $30 for adults and $20 for students/Gold Card holders, with children 15 and under free. Series passes are also available. Tickets can be purchased at www.blacksticksnz.co.nz
Match times have also been confirmed as follows:

Sentinel Homes Trans-Tasman series
27 May – 1 June
Massey University, Palmerston North

Thursday 27 May
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos

Friday 28 May
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos

Sunday 30 May
1pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
3pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras

Tuesday 1 June
5.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos
7.30pm Vantage Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras

All eight New Zealand-based matches will be broadcast live on SKY Sport.

The Vantage Black Sticks squads of 18 for the Tokyo Olympics will be named in the week after the Trans-Tasman series. Our squads for the Trans-Tasman series will be named on Thursday.

FIH Pro League – Australia v New Zealand
26-27 June
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

Saturday 26 June
Kookaburras v Vantage Black Sticks Men12.30pm local time (4.30pm NZT)
Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks Women 3pm local time (7pm NZT)

Sunday 27 June
Kookaburras v Vantage Black Sticks Men12.30pm local time (4.30pm NZT)
Hockeyroos v Vantage Black Sticks Women 3pm local time (7pm NZT)

• May 11th, 2021 in
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