New Zealand have high hopes for big tournament in Auckland

New Zealand's Simone Lewis in action on Friday in a training game against Canada

Stuff.co.nz

The world rankings suggest New Zealand will be out of their depth but they have high hopes for the FINA Water Polo World League women's intercontinental tournament in Auckland this week.

Some of the world's best water polo teams will take to West Wave Aquatic Centre in Auckland starting on Tuesday for what promises to be the water polo highlight of the year.

Among the teams in Auckland are current Olympic gold medalists and world No 1 the United States, Olympic bronze medallists Australia, and two former world silver medalists China and Canada, as well as Japan, Kazakhstan, 2016 Olympic hosts Brazil, and New Zealand, who are ranked 16th in the world.

"We're using this as a stepping-stone for worlds," veteran captain Kelly Mason said.

"It's a very new team - there's a bunch of girls who haven't played on an international level before, so it's just seeing how we come together as a team."

New Zealand are in Pool A for the intercontinental tournament, with Japan, Australia and Canada.

"Everyone's pretty excited, it's exciting to have a really big tournament right here on our doorstep," New Zealand player Sarah Landry said. "It allows everyone who we train with to be able to see us perform against some of the best teams in the world."

New Zealand will play Canada for their opening match on Tuesday night.

They are building towards the world championships in Kazan, Russia, in August. The Auckland tournament will provide an insight into how the Kiwis will fare in Russia, where they will also play Canada, along with Kazakhstan and Spain in pool play.

- Stuff.co.nz: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/68083194/new-zealand-have-high-hopes-for-big-womens-water-polo-tournament-in-auckland