NZ Women seek strong start in Gold Medal defense

The women play Canada at 7:30am on Monday, and their third game is against Fiji on Tuesday at 2:30am

Team member Risaleeana Pouri-Lane said she was still 'buzzing out' a little that they were actually at the Olympic Games.

"It was a bit quieter when we first arrived last week, but now more and more countries are starting to roll in, it's getting a bit more real and hectic in the village, but I'm just trying to soak up every moment."

Pouri-Lane said the New Zealand side was a mixture of youth with Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Mahina Paul and Georgia Miller and the experience of Portia Woodman, Tyla King, Theresa Setefano and Sarah Hirini, who are attending their third Olympic Games.

"We've got a good balance in our group and we're a tight group as well. There's always a lot of jokes going around and cards being played. It's been awesome."

Having had a leadership role during the World Series, Pouri-Lane said she was finding her feet and feeling more responsible for the job's needs.

She has been working with Sarah Hirini, who has returned from the injury that kept her out of the World Series.

"It's been cool through these last few weeks and work closely with Gossy [Hirini] and navigate our way through the next period as well.

"If there's one person who could do it, it would be Sarah. She's worked hard behind the scenes and to be here at the Olympic Games post-injury is special for her."