Australian hockey's Rio road revealed

Australia have avoided being grouped with the highly-rated Netherlands teams in both the men's and women's Rio Olympics hockey competitions.

Kookaburras in action

Australia have avoided highly-ranked Netherlands in the hockey draws for the Rio Olympics. (AAP)

Australia have avoided highly-ranked Netherlands in both the men's and women's hockey draws for the Rio Olympics.

The Kookaburras' world No.1 ranking ensured they avoided not only the world No.2 Dutch outfit, but also No.3 Germany, their toughest tests to come in back-to-back matches against Great Britain and Belgium.

The Australian men also face New Zealand in their opening pool game, the Kiwis earning a berth after South Africa decided not to enter a team.

Spain and Brazil fill out their group, the hosts being the only team outside of the world top 14 to play in the tournament.

The women's team's world No.3 ranking has ensured the Hockeyroos will have a slightly more challenging task ahead of them in Rio.

They open their campaign with a late-night fixture against Great Britain, before a tough mid-week encounter with second-ranked Argentina.

The United States, Japan and India also round out their group.

While a minimum of two victories would theoretically be enough to secure both teams qualification for the quarter-finals, higher rankings should ensure an easier passage to the medal rounds.


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Source: AAP



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