Hockey big guns wary at Champions Trophy

Australia is fielding an unfamiliar squad at the men's hockey Champions Trophy in London just two months out from the Olympics.

Kookaburras coach Graham Reid expects to encounter plenty of foxing at the men's hockey Champions Trophy just eight weeks out from the Rio Olympics.

With world No.1 Australia, Germany, Belgium, India and Great Britain all competing in London, only 2012 Olympic silver medallists the Netherlands are missing of those most likely to mount the podium at the Rio Games on August 18.

But Reid warned against reading too much into the results as the six-nation tournament gets underway.

"The Olympics is a different situation to the Champions Trophy," said Read.

"Here in London, I think Great Britain and Belgium have named close to their strongest, and most likely Olympic, line-up so they will be very tough to beat.

"But most teams will be holding things back, not necessarily showing everything they have.

"All of them will be threats in Rio, especially with the knock-out quarter-finals.

"It all comes down to that one game, which evens the playing field."

Australia's preparations for the Champions Trophy have been hampered by injuries.

London Olympian Kieran Govers was ruled out with a recurring hamstring injury while livewire forward Jake Whetton has been missing since April's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Young forward Dylan Wotherspoon was forced out with a hamstring injury shortly before the team flew to London and fellow forward Tom Craig has returned to Australia after succumbing to an ankle injury, to be replaced by Andrew Philpott.

With seasoned Olympians Jamie Dwyer, Fergus Kavanagh and Matt Gohdes rested, and captain Mark Knowles missing following the birth of his daughter last week, it will be an unfamiliar Australian team that takes on hosts Great Britain in their opening game.

"The important thing is that we try and get our whole group to perform and put their best foot forward for selection," said Read.

"As always, well be trying to be in the final of the Champions Trophy.

"The injuries to Dylan and Tom are disappointing, as much for them as it is for us from a selection perspective.

"They will both still be in contention for Rio but it just makes it harder for them."


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Source: AAP



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