Netherlands to provide stern test for Hockeyroos and Kookaburras
Published Thu 08 Jun 2023
The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras have had valuable hit outs against Ireland ahead of their FIH Pro League matches against the Netherlands in Eindhoven.
For the Hockeyroos, the practise match against Ireland, who were runners up at the 2018 FIH Women’s World Cup, gave them an intense contest as they prepare to face the world number one ranked Netherlands early tomorrow morning (3.40am AEST) Australian time.
The Kookaburras will face the Netherlands early Saturday morning (AEST) for the first time since losing to the Dutch in the bronze medal match of the 2023 FIH Men’s World Cup back in January.
Hockeyroos
The Hockeyroos currently sit on top of the FIH Pro League Women’s standings after a string of impressive performances.
However, the Netherlands have played seven matches less and have won all five so far, including a 4-0 defeat of China overnight.
Despite the Netherlands being the dominant force in women’s hockey, Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell said her team are eager to take it up to their fancied opponents.
“There is a challenge coming and we’re really looking forward to testing ourselves against two strong European nations,” said Powell.
“The Dutch are ranked number one in the world for a reason and Belgium are an up-and-coming team that can definitely surprise, so it’s going to be a difficult task but that’s what we’re here for.”
“We had a really good hit out against Ireland. They are a strong team and well drilled so it was good preparation before we face the Dutch.”
Kookaburras
The Kookaburras come into their series against the number one and two ranked teams in the world with an emphasis on continual growth and development after a mix of results in this FIH Pro League campaign.
“The hit out against Ireland was an important practise match for us and I’m pleased we could play a really good team heading into Friday’s game against the Netherlands,” said Head Coach Colin Batch.
“We said to the players that we want to enjoy our time together but it’s about continuing our growth and about performing.”
“We want to see some good outcomes here both in terms of the score line and also our development.
“We’ve got the Oceania Cup coming up against New Zealand which is the Olympic qualifier, so we want to play well there.”
Batch said there had been no focus put on the World Cup loss to the Netherlands heading into these matches.
Rather, the attention is on the Kookaburras continuing to make positive strides since that time as they lead up to the Oceania Cup in August.
“That result at the World Cup is in the past. It is what it is and now it is about building up for this weekend’s matches,” said Batch.
“It’s important for us to play well against the Netherlands and Belgium because they will be challenging. We want to see how much we’ve grown since the World Cup.”
“Selection in the Oceania Cup is in the back of the players’ minds. It is always competitive in the Kookaburras squad, so in that respect it’s no different to any other time.”
Andrew Charter and Daniel Beale will share the Kookaburras captaincy duties during the series.
The FIH Pro League matches will be broadcast LIVE on FOX Sports and Kayo.
FIH Pro League 2022-23 Season Eindhoven and Antwerp - Hockeyroos & Kookaburras Match Schedule
8 June - Netherlands v Hockeyroos (Eindhoven) 7:40pm local time (3.40am AEST, 9 June)
9 June - Netherlands v Kookaburras (Eindhoven) 7:40pm local time (3.40am AEST, 10 June)
11 June - Netherlands v Hockeyroos (Eindhoven) 3:10pm local time (11.10pm AEST)
12 June - Netherlands v Kookaburras (Eindhoven) 7:40pm local time (3.40am AEST, 13 June)
16 June - Belgium v Hockeyroos (Antwerp) 8:40pm local time (4.40am AEST, 17 June)
17 June - Belgium v Kookaburras (Antwerp) 4:40pm local time (12.40am AEST, 18 June)
19 June - Belgium v Hockeyroos (Antwerp) 8:40pm local time (4.40am AEST, 20 June)
20 June - Belgium v Kookaburras (Antwerp) 8:40pm local time (4.40am AEST, 21 June)
