WOMEN'S HOCKEY /World Cup qualifying tournament: Ireland's third consecutive draw in Rome, contrived yesterday by another stoical display in defence, keeps Riet Kuper's side on course for the 5th-8th place play-offs in which two wins would be required to clinch a place in the September Madrid finals.

First, though, Ireland must win their last two pool matches, against Italy this afternoon and Azerbaijan tomorrow, although the three-point cushion may be enough to allow another draw in one of the games without damaging their aspiration of a top-four finish in the group.

Gone are the days when Irish teams would get carried away with such a start to a major tournament. Instead there was an air of disappointment as the players trooped off the pitch having held a side ranked sixth in the world.

Kiwi coach Ian Rutledge was not happy at the final whistle: "It was disappointing to play against a team that was so negative and came to defend," he sighed. "I think Ireland were content to play for a draw which is pretty disappointing for the spectators."

Irish captain Linda Caulfield pledged spectators would see a different side in the next two fixtures as a more offensive strategy is adopted. As far as the first three games have been concerned, it has been "horses for courses" in a tactical sense.

"We didn't create many chances against either Korea or New Zealand but they are teams who were ranked much higher than us," she explained. "I think we showed a reluctance to commit players forward but we have to be conscious that such opponents can be very dangerous on the counterattack.

"But we are up against two sides (Italy and Azerbaijan) we must beat now so the game plan will change. It's unbelievable to be able to say we have gone three matches without a defeat but we still have a lot of work to do."

Kuper agreed as she contemplated what lay ahead before Ireland could afford to think about the cross-overs.

"Italy have been around the world preparing for this tournament and they are a much, much better side than I can remember in my time as Irish coach," she said. "Azerbaijan aren't a bad team either, although I think it's good to be playing them last as they have 10 players over 30 years of age.

"We would have liked to have had more attacking play against New Zealand but we just couldn't get the ball through our midfield and they were a very big and physically strong side."

Two half chances that fell to Nikki Symmons in the opening 35 minutes, one hitting the side-netting and the other producing a comfortable stop from the goalkeeper, were about the height of Ireland's attacking efforts in a dour game.

The Kiwis were constantly frustrated by resolute Irish defending, the entire back five deserving immense credit, as were Caulfield and Caitríona Carey, who was celebrating her 28th birthday.

Goalkeeper Angela Platt was competent when called upon, most notably when producing a brilliant point-blank save from New Zealand captain Suzie Muirhead in the 56th minute.

IRELAND: A Platt; C Parkhill, C O'Brien, J Orbinson, F Connery; C Carey, L Caulfield (capt), B McKeever; J McDonough, E Cregan, C McKean. Subs: S Beaney, N Symmons.

Pool B Results: Saturday: Korea 4 Azerbaijan 0. Yesterday: USA 2 Italy 1; Ireland 0 New Zealand 0.

Standings after three matches: 1 Korea 7 pts; 2 USA 7 pts; 3 New Zealand 4 pts; 4 Ireland 3 pts; 5 Italy 3 pts; 6 Azerbaijan 0 pts.

Today's programme: Pool B: USA v Azerbaijan, Ireland v Italy (3pm Irish time), New Zealand v Korea.