Trans-Tasman rivalry will step up a notch when the Australian men's hockey team meet their New Zealand counterparts in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament in Malaysia.
There will be added incentive for the Black Sticks at the six-nation tournament after coach Colin Batch deserted ship in December to join the world No.2 Kookaburras.
Australia are the defending champions and will start as favourites in Ipoh on Saturday.
The last six titles have been shared by the Australasians, with New Zealand winning in 2012 and 2015.
The Black Sticks were third last year, beating Malaysia in a shootout, as Australia went on to snare a ninth title.
