The New Zealand men's hockey coach Colin Batch says despite not picking up a win in six tests against Korea, the series served as a valuable exercise ahead of next month's world league round in Holland.
The Black Sticks went down to Korea 2-1 midweek, their fourth loss in a row, after two opening draws against a side ranked two places below them.
After trailing 1-0 at half-time in Papatoetoe, the Black Sticks drew level through a stunning Stephen Jenness goal but surrendered the lead again soon after and could not equalise.
Batch says they created chances and were dangerous but on the counter attack were left exposed.
He used the series to try out a number of different combinations and says every player had an opportunity to put their hand up and show what they've got in a test series, rather than a camp.
18 players will be named early next week for the World League Round 3 in Holland next month.