LYNCH THE LIFESAVER IN UNCONVINCING VICTORY
NURSE Rachael Lynch became the Hockeyroos emergency services operator as the Australians were given a sobering jolt in the first round of their title defence.
Australia, rank fifth in the world, beat 21st ranked Canada 1-0 after a torrid scrap at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
Canada were gallant in defeat, losing two players to injury and two more to midmatch suspensions.
Goalkeeper Lynch, who debuted for Australia 12 years ago, proved the coolest head in a team which were tested by an unsung rival outfit who won two penalty corners in the last 10 minutes. Lynch rescued Australia with several scrambling last quarter saves.
Australia struggled to breach the desperate Canadian defence as the home side they set out in pursuit of a fourth consecutive Games gold.
On rankings it will be a difficult task for New Zealand and England are above them and India not far behind.
The only goal came from Jodie Kenny from a penalty, a satisfying return for the ace defender who had to work exceptionally hard to return to national selection after the birth of son Harrison last year.
Having adjusted to her son’s sleeping patterns Kenny now has to adjust to a novel draw in which Australia will play three 9.30pm games tomorrow, Sunday and Monday.