While the Hockeyroos face a fiery Argentina in their match, with both teams undefeated so far in the preliminary matches.

For the Kookaburras, a win against New Zealand will avenge the pain of their loss against defending Olympic champion Belgium. They are 2-1 for the tournament after claiming the scalps of Argentina and Ireland earlier in the week.

But the Tokyo silver medallist will never underestimate their Kiwi competitors.

“New Zealand have got a pretty good side and we've seen them play in a few tournaments this year without their best team and they've still done well,” coach Colin Batch said.

“They've got all of their key players back in, so they have a lot of experience.

“They've got some players that have played three and four Olympics. They've got their best team together for some time.”

While Trans-Tasman foes, Australia and New Zealand play each other regularly and were integral training partners leading into the Tokyo Olympic Games when both sides were restricted with travel due to the pandemic.

For Colin, the match has additional meaning. Despite playing for Australia for over a decade, and now coaching the national team, he led New Zealand for four years from 2012-2016.

“The Trans-Tasman rivalry is a good rivalry to have,” Colin said.

“It's not a nasty rivalry that's for sure, it’s a friendly rivalry. We're very intense on the field but the players get along okay off the field.

“We’ll need to take care of our own game rather than worrying about their game too much. It's the fourth game in the pool and we just need to prepare well and hopefully get into those finals.

“I'm with the Kookaburras and it's all about the Kookaburras.”

Later in the day, the Hockeyroos face their toughest encounter of the rounds against Argentina. Both teams go into the encounter undefeated.

Two-time gold medallist and head coach Katrina Powell believes her side has the tenacity to tame the talented South Americans.

“We have had some really tough battles with Argentina this year,” coach Katrina said.

“It was really disappointing to lose 5 -0 to them a few months ago in Belgium. 

“They caught us off guard and we didn't respond during the game which was really disappointing. But what was pleasing was to come out in the next game and beat them 1-0. I believe it got us back to reality.

“You cannot underestimate Argentina on any day. They're a very talented, skilful team and they've got really strong belief, so we need to be ready to absorb some of that pressure.”

The Kookaburras play NZL 6.30pm AEST. The Hockeyroos play Argentina at 4.15am.

Catriona Dixon