Video: Black Sox prepare for Oceania qualifiers

New Zealand Softball is eyeing a seventh World Title, but first they have to negotiate the Oceania qualifying series this weekend in Auckland.

The Black Sox are defending world champions but coach Mark Sorensen says they aren't getting ahead of themselves.

"It’s strange I suppose for sports that have defending world champs qualify," he said on Firstline.

"It's a critical start for us in terms of making a run at the seventh title."

"In order for us to do it we have to get through the qualifying series with Australia and Samoa, and that's really got to be our prime focus."

Two teams out of New Zealand, Australia (3rd ranked) and Samoa (7th ranked) will qualify for the World Champs in Canada next June.

The teams play each other twice before a final on Saturday night.

Watch the full interview with Mark Sorenson and Nathan Nukunuku