Western Australia will play a vital role in the build up to both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos 2010 World Cup campaigns, with both teams playing a number of test matches in WA throughout February and March.

In total eight international matches will be played in WA, six Hockeyroos’ matches and two Kookaburra matches.

The Hockeyroos, currently ranked 5th in the world, will take on New Zealand (ranked 9th) and Korea (ranked 11th) as a preparation for the BDO World Cup Qualifier event which will be held in Santiago, Chile from 24 April- 2 May.

After suffering a surprise loss in the final of the Oceania Cup to New Zealand in August last year, the Hockeyroos were denied direct access to the BDO FIH World Cup 2010 which will be played in Rosario, Argentina from 29 August-12 September..

They will need to win the BDO World Cup Qualifier to earn a spot at the BDO FIH World Cup. Their opposition will include Chile (ranked 16th), Ireland (ranked 15th), Malaysia (ranked 22nd), Scotland (ranked 23rd) and Ukraine, the team that replaces Trinidad & Tobago.

Given their path to the BDO FIH World Cup has been made more difficult since the loss at the Oceania Cup, no doubt the Hockeyroos will look forward to some revenge when they play New Zealand in the coming weeks.

While the Kookaburras will only play two matches in Western Australia, these games will be of utmost importance given that they will be played on the eve of the 2010 Hero Honda FIH Men’s World Cup which will take place in New Delhi, India starting on 28 February.

Although the Kookaburras, currently ranked 2nd, are not in the same pool as New Zealand (ranked 8th) at the World Cup, these matches against a quality opposition will be vital in allowing them to perfect their game plan. The Kookaburras have finished runners up at the last two World Cup tournaments and have won the World Cup once in 1986.

In addition to these test matches, various AIS squads will also compete against the visiting nations throughout the month.

Please click here for all information about the series.

Source: Hockey Australia