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FIELD HOCKEY
14/03/2006 13:07 - (SA)
Melbourne - Australia's rivals at the Commonwealth Games field hockey fear a frustrating fortnight ahead in Melbourne as the ruthless hosts move to win both gold medals on offer.
The Australian men and women have been so dominant on the world stage that sweeping the field in the absence of European powerhouses like the Netherlands and Germany is only to be expected.
The Kookaburras, as the Australian men's team are called, have not lost a match at the Commonwealth Games since the sport became a medal sport in 1998.
They won the gold in the inaugural competition in Kuala Lumpur by defeating hosts Malaysia in the final and ousted New Zealand to take the title in Manchester four years later.
The Australian women, meanwhile, were confident of regaining the gold medal after being forced to settle for a bronze in Manchester behind surprise winners India and England.
South Africa have a men's and women's team competing at this year's Games.
- SAPA
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