A morale boosting 1-0 win over the Ukraine on Thursday, their first over the eastern Europeans since 1998, had Riet Kuper’s side in confident mood going in against the ninth-ranked “Black Sticks”.

But early field goals from Lizzy Igasan (17 minutes) and Kayla Sharland (29) put the home side into a comfortable half-time lead before Belfast Harlequins’ attacker Jenny McDonough converted a penalty corner reply in the 37th minute.

Jamiee Provan nailed a close range shot seconds later for New Zealand and Niniwa Roberts’ penalty corner (47) and a second from Provan (51) completed the five-goal rout.

Afterwards, coach Kuper admitted she thought Ireland would trouble them more. “I thought our preparation was good enough, and maybe I was a little disappointed with how we performed,” said the Dutch woman.

“This is the first time we’ve played New Zealand in nearly 20 years so their style was new to us.”

Ireland’s next game is on Tuesday against Germany, second in the pool, and with only two sides securing a place in Athens from each of the two Pools, the Irish are third of five teams.

“We are well used to Germany”, continued Kuper, “having played them many times. It will be a tough game, but we’ll watch them closely against Britain tomorrow.”

Ireland: A Platt (GK); F Connery, L Caulfield, E Cregan, J McDonough, L McVicker (Capt), C O’Brian, J Orbinson, N Symmons, K Maybin, J Burke.

Subs used: S Beaney, B McKeever, N McCaughern, D Casey.