NEW ZEALAND (WORLD RANKING 9)

The Black Sticks have remained in the shadow of their more illustrious neighbours Australia for long. Though they are former Olympic champions, New Zealand are seen more as a threat to other teams? chances ? like Argentina ? than potential winners themselves.

The Black Sticks have remained in the shadow of their more illustrious neighbours Australia for long.

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Though they are former Olympic champions, New Zealand are seen more as a threat to other teams’ chances — like Argentina — than potential winners themselves.

Some of their key players like Bevan Hari may not be in squad now but New Zealand have found young Simon Childs, who is shaping up as a fine goal poacher.

The average age of the New Zealand team is also in the mid-20s with captain Ryan Archibald oldest at 25.