The Hockeyroos will seek to add polish to their defensive grit after avoiding a South African ambush in a 2-1 Olympic opening win.
The world No.5 Australians were caught out early by the world No.18 and could have easily trailed by more than 1-0 at quarter time at a sun-drenched Stade Yves-du-Manoir on Sunday.
But attacking midfielder Stephanie Kershaw’s spark, a touch of fortune and then some final-quarter composure ensured they got their Paris tilt on track.
Despite Grace Stewart appearing to get a touch, Kershaw was credited with the first goal when her bullet-like backstick cross was deflected into goal to begin the second quarter.
Tatum Stewart then scored the match-winner in the third quarter, her slap from the penalty corner deflecting off the South African runner’s stick and then bouncing off the underside of the crossbar into goal.
Goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram made a terrific glove save in the first quarter and another reflex stop in the third term.
“I think we got all the nerves out,” Kershaw said.
“We didn’t step up as quickly as we wanted to but we got better.
“There’s a lot of waiting; for the team to be picked, then get on the plane, then play the first game.
“We were buzzing to get out there and trying to get rid of that nervous energy.
“We have a lot more in us, but we did what we needed to do.”
Coach Katrina Powell made a statement by omitting veteran striker Rosie Malone from the Paris squad and admitted she would like to see more forward-line polish after the side scored twice from 10 shots on goal.
“We need to finish better (but)however the goals come we will take them,” she said.
“They’re getting in good spots, creating opportunities and handling the ball well, full faith in that group.”
The Hockeyroos are three-time Olympic champions but have not reached the semi-finals since claiming their last title in Sydney, 24 years ago.
“We’ve been working on our game management, so it’s a tick in that box,” Powell, a two-time gold medallist, said.
“It’s going to be the nature of it; stout defence and trying to create cracks in that.
“It’s a settler and we’re into it now.”
Striker Alice Arnott (calf) is expected to return to the squad for Monday’s clash with Great Britain.
Source Agencies
