Match Report | Kookaburras clinch Oceania Cup again with 4-1 victory over New Zealand

The Kookaburras have done it again — clinching the 2025 Oceania Cup series in Darwin with a commanding 4–1 win over New Zealand, and in the process extending one of world sport’s most remarkable streaks.

The Oceania Cup is live and free on 7plus. Tickets are available from Ticketek - kids 12 and under get in free. The first 150 people through the gates will receive a free goodie bag thanks to Hockey Australia partners. The event program is available here.

Since the men’s Oceania Cup began in 1999, Australia have never been beaten in the competition, and this latest triumph keeps that flawless record intact.

Already qualified for next year’s World Cup, Mark Hager’s side showed why they remain the undisputed kings of the region — blending blistering attack, disciplined defence, and the kind of big‑moment composure that has underpinned more than two decades of trans‑Tasman supremacy.

Australia struck early through Cambell Geddes, whose driving run, slick left‑foot pass to Nathan Ephraums and diving finish set the tone inside five minutes. Matt Ruetsch and Jed Snowden traded sharp saves in the heat, before Ky Willott pounced on an intercept and hammered a reverse‑stick rocket for 2–0.

After the break, Willott doubled up with a deft deflection from Ephraums’ driven ball, and Tom Welch added a fourth from close range after a clever Blake Govers fake at a penalty corner. Jonte Elmes pulled one back for New Zealand with a low flick, but the Kookaburras’ composure — even while finishing with nine men — sealed a commanding 4–1 win and the series.

Speaking after the win, Ky Willott said the team came to get the job done and they did, sharing what he felt was key to his and the team’s success, both this year and following the opening game on Thursday.

“It’s a bit of freedom, a bit of playing on instinct, which is something Horry (Mark Hager) when he first came in gave everyone the license to do, so I think that’s been a big positive for myself.

“There were a few terminologies that were changed (after game one), a few more positive connotations, moving the ball more, with ball speed as well.

“We still have a lot of improvements to make – we have one more international match to go for the calendar year tomorrow, so we’re excited for that, but it is nice knowing we’re Oceania Cup champions.”

And the plan for the third and final Oceania Cup match tomorrow?

“Just enjoy it. One last match for the year with this group in Darwin at a home event, it’s going to be unreal, so let’s finish the year strong,” Willott added.

Ruthless in the Circle

Geddes’ opener set the tone, Willot’s brace showcased individual skill and anticipation, and Welch’s penalty corner strike underlined the value of variation at set pieces. While the video review session might indicate that they left a couple out there, four goals from four different build‑ups was a pleasing sign less than a year out from the World Cup.

Balancing Aggression and Control

Mark Hager flagged over‑aggression and turnovers as areas to refine after Game One. While the Kookaburras still had moments of over‑commitment, their defensive unit, led by Hayward, Howard, Weyer, Beltz and Collins, was composed in possession and disciplined without the ball, limiting New Zealand’s open‑play looks. Snowden’s key saves preserved the cushion until the late Black Sticks’ goal.

Willott’s Hot Streak

Ky Willott’s two goals took his 2025 tally to six, equalling his best calendar‑year return. His post‑match admission — that he “could have ended up with plenty more” — spoke to both his hunger and the team’s attacking intent. With Ephraums taking his turn as the creative force and Geddes adding midfield attacking punch, Australia’s forward line looks increasingly potent.

The Kookaburras’ third and final Oceania Cup match against the NZ Black Sticks men takes place tomorrow, Sunday 7 September, 4:00 pm ACST at MWT Hockey Centre, Darwin LIVE and free on 7Plus.

All Kookaburras and Hockeyroos matches can be watched live and free on 7Plus.

See the Hockeyroos 2025 Oceania Cup Squad here.

See the Kookaburras 2025 Oceania Cup Squad here.

For more information about the 2025 Oceania Cup in Darwin, visit the Hockey Australia website here.

The 2025 Oceania Cup is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government, through the Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Oceania Cup 2025 Match Schedule

MWT Hockey Centre, Marrara, Darwin