The fans might not be expecting much after three straight defeats in the trans-Tasman hockey series..

But the Black Sticks men maintain they're aiming to win today's dead rubber final match in Auckland.

New Zealand captain Jacob Smith insists they've improved every game against the Aussie Kookaburras, on Sky Sport.



Smith's right about the improving margins - from an 8-1 opening loss, to a 4-0 reverse in game two... the Black Sticks lost yesterday's third match 4-1.

Play starts at 1:30.