The size, speed and physical approach of their opposition left a marked impression on Wairarapa College fifth former Kelsi Rutene when she played for the New Zealand under-17 girls development soccer team at an age group tourney in Coffs Harbour, Australia last month.
Rutene was unsure of what to expect at
the tourney, which saw New Zealand pitted against state sides from all over Australia, and while their seventh placing in the 10-team competition might seem disappointing on paper it was understandable.
Not only were most of the Aussie sides bigger, faster and more rugged than the Kiwis but they also had the distinct advantage of having been together for four or five years. Which meant they were always going to be a handful for a New Zealand team whose preparation was limited, to say the least.
"They had their combinations pretty well worked out while we were still getting to know each other," Rutene said. "And the games were played a lot quicker than we were used to, we took a while to come to terms with that too."
Rutene herself played a part in all six of the New Zealand games, either in centre midfield or right half, and was "happy enough" with her own form. She said her best effort came in the last game against Western Australia, which saw New Zealand build on a 3-1 halftime lead to win 6-1.
In earlier matches New Zealand had lost to New South Wales 1-6 (halftime 1-3), lost to Victoria 1-3 (1-1), beaten Tasmania 6-0 (1-0) and lost to South Australia 0-3 (0-1).
Management of the New Zealand side have made no secret of the fact that those in the development team are seen as contenders to represent this country at the 2008 FIFA World Cup for under-20 women and Rutene is determined to make an all-out effort for inclusion in that team.
To that end she is intent on maintaining a high level of fitness, with particular emphasis on speed training.
" It's obvious that you have to be fit and fast to compete at the top. That's what I'll be working on now," she said.
