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Hayden Shaw knocks one in - Source: Photosport -
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The New Zealand men's Black Sticks hockey side is set to play on home turf for the first time in over a year.
Shane McLeod's Black Sticks kick off a five-Test series against Malaysia in Palmerston North on Sunday and are confident they can get the job done.
With a flood of players back from their European club sides, McLeod has been able to pick his strongest side since the Beijing Olympics.
The already solid squad has been bolstered by the return of Hayden Shaw, Dean Couzins, Ryan Archibald, Phil Burrows, Ben Collier, Kyle Pontifex and Blair Hopping.
New Zealand boasts the perfect mix of experience and youth, with the inclusion of three Junior Black Sticks - Simon Child, Nick Wilson and Arun Panchia.
McLeod believes Malaysia will put up a good fight, despite being ranked eight places below the Kiwis (16th).
The series will see all the best Black Sticks together for the first time since finishing seventh in Beijing.
While the Black Sticks were disappointed with where they ended up, their Olympic campaign was a brave effort which promised a positive future for the side.
Major threats
Malaysia will have to be cautious all over the turf with the Kiwis' holding many tricks up their sleeves.
Up front the best young player in the world right now, Simon Child, will be looking to cause chaos with his pace and deadly striking of the ball.
New Zealand get a major boost at penalty corner time with Hayden Shaw the best executor of the drag-flick in the world, while fullback Blair Hopping will lock down the back-field.
Schedule:
First Test - Sunday August 9, Palmerston North
Second Test - Tuesday August 11, Palmerston North
Third Test - Thursday August 13, Napier
Fourth Test - Friday August 14, Napier
Fifth Test - Sunday August 16, Taupo
Squad:
Dave Kosoof, Simon Child, Blair Hopping, Dean Couzins, Ryan Archibald, Phil Burrows, Hayden Shaw, Ben Collier, Shea McAleese, Brad Shaw, Kyle Pontifex, Nick Haig, Andrew Hayward, Casey Henwood, Joel Baker, Stephen Graham, Arun Panchia, Richard Petherick, Steve Edwards, Nick Wilson.
