Australia 5 Germany 3

AUSTRALIA might be the defending title-holder of the Champions Trophy, the biggest men's annual international hockey tournament, but Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth knows his team will have its work cut out if it wants to maintain bragging rights.

AUSTRALIA might be the titleholders of the biggest men's annual international hockey tournament - the Champions Trophy - but Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth is well aware how difficult it will be to maintain a grip on the prize over the next week.

IT WAS not quite on the same scale as South African captain Graeme Smith, but Toronto batsman Jeff Hemming showed similar courage to lead the Kookaburras to a crucial win against Merewether at Townson Oval yesterday.

THE man with hockey's Midas touch Ric Charlesworth is set to work his magic with the Kookaburras.