South Africa

Despite trailing the four-match series 2-0, France are confident of matching South Africa when they meet in the third men's hockey Test at the Gelvan astro on Wednesday (4pm).

The French team arrived in Port Elizabeth after losing the opening games of the series in East London at the weekend. They lost the first Test on Saturday 4-1, but showed an improvement in extending South Africa before going down on Sunday 5-3.

Now they will be aiming to progress further when the third and fourth Tests are played on Wednesday and Thursday. Team manager Patrick Roult said they were confident of doing well.

"We've shown some real improvement since we've been here (the team played the SA U-21 side three time last week) and we are confident we can get to the same level as South Africa," said Roult.

'We've shown some real improvement since we've been here'
"You must remember, South Africa have been together since the beginning of the year, but we have only been together for a week.

"The first Test we were not at our normal level and it was tough hockey. In the second, we were doing well until we conceded three penalty corners in the second half and they scored three goals, which made it very difficult.

"But we expect to continue with our improvement and the players are committed to do well in the last two games. But we will need to work on our defence."

Wednesday's game will be an historic occasion as it will be the first international to be played at the Gelvan astro. - Sapa

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