In New Zealand's case, they start their world league final tournament in New Delhi early tomorrow against Olympic champions Germany.
It's 16 years since the Black Sticks have beaten the Germans, although they drew 5-5 at the London Olympics in a frenetic contest and lost 3-2 at the Champions Trophy in Melbourne 13 months ago.
Captain Dean Couzins fancies getting into Germany first up.
"I don't want to jinx us but traditionally Germany have been quite slow starters," Auckland veteran defender Couzins told the Herald from Delhi.
"Obviously they finish tournaments well because usually they either win them or make the final. So I don't think it's a bad thing playing them first.
"It's always been a great test against them but the focus is on what we're doing and improving our game."
Seventh-ranked New Zealand lost both warmups, 2-0 to No5 Belgium, then a disappointing 3-1 to fourth-ranked England on Wednesday.
New Zealand led 1-0 through Stephen Jenness, but produced a poor second half.
That said, Couzins knows the team - who have not played an international since the Oceania series in Taranaki at the start of November - will be the better for the workouts.
"Ideally you'd have more time but we're not the only team in that position. You think of the Europeans where it's very cold so the quality of their training (has been affected).
"We've just got to get on with that attitude of not having any excuses."
Tournament management will be a key factor for coach Colin Batch, making sure his key players are not over-burdened before the clutch games in latter stages.
Couzins, who plays his 291st international against Germany, believes a minimum expectation of finishing in the top six of the eight-team world league is realistic; a top four finish would be an impressive achievement "but it's certainly something we're capable of if we play well".
Couzins has played the Germans many times and expects they'll allow New Zealand room down the flanks but will jam up the middle, making delivery into threatening areas challenging.
"They're very strong in the midfield and don't need many chances.
"They seem to take them well. I'd expect them to be really physical in and around the circle."
The Black Sticks have quality striker Simon Child back, after he missed the world league semifinal in Rotterdam in June. Hugo Inglis is making rapid strides as an attacker and Couzins said much emphasis had gone into working collectively to create opportunities rather than rely on individual efforts.
There had been one injury-enforced change in the squad, with North Harbour's Joe Bartholomew replacing provincial teammate Cory Bennett, who broke his thumb.
The key game for the Black Sticks could be their last pool match against England. They will bank on beating the Indians who, at No10, are the lowest ranked team in the tournament.
Hockey New Zealand have appointed Australian Terry Evans as high performance director. Evans has spent seven years as Hockey Australian Capital Territory chief executive and has filled several high performance roles within Hockey Australia.
- David Leggat of the NZ Herald
