Pacific hockey teams were completely outclassed on the opening day of the Oceania Cup in Taranaki, but despite lop-sided scorelines insist it's not all doom and gloom.
The Samoa men's team were thrashed 37-0 by New Zealand, with the women's side faring marginally better in a 31-0 defeat.
Samoa against New Zealand at the Oceania Cup. Photo: Supplied
In the opening game, the Fiji men's team were thumped 17-0 by world champions Australia.
The Fiji men's hockey team at the Oceania Cup. Photo: Facebook / Fiji Hockey Federation
Despite the massive scoreline, Fiji coach Shaun Corrie believes his team played well.
"We last played Australia in 2005 and we lost 26-0. This time around it's 17-0 so we've learnt a whole lot. Also in 2005 we only got into Australia's circle the one time but today we got in there a whole lot more times. We also saved a whole lot more than we let in so very pleased with the boys' performance, absolutely pleased".
The Fiji and Samoa men go head to head this afternoon in what shapes as both team's best shot at victory.
Shaun Corrie admits he can't recall the last time they lost to Samoa but says they're full focused and taking nothing for granted.
"Samoa's also been learning and they've also come a long way. We're not going to take [them because of] that past win easily - they've got some really solid players out there and we need to be careful of them also. We're going to get in there early and get all the hard work done early. Our boys are focused on the task at hand. We've had a short time to prepare but we're really looking forward to these games".
Samoa's women's team get face Australia this afternoon.
The men's and women's champions at the Oceania Cup will qualify for next year's Rio Olympics.
