Football: All Whites defender torn over weather ahead of Peru clash

Andrew Durante. Photosport

Four days out from the All Whites' World Cup qualifier against Peru in Wellington, and New Zealand central defender Andrew Durante admits he's torn.

On one hand, with a sell-out crowd of more than 35,000 anticipated, he says it'd be far more pleasant for fans to enjoy their football in the late-afternoon sunshine of a calm Wellington Saturday.

Then again, against a Peru team ranked 10th in the world, the 122nd-ranked New Zealanders need all the help they can get.

If that means the icy squalls and driving rain of a southerly belter, or a nice up-tempo 100km/h northerly gale, then so be it.

The Peru team arrived in Auckland on Tuesday morning, and will train there on Wednesday and Thursday before making the trip south to the capital.

Durante diplomatically described the decision as interesting.

"Wellington weather and Auckland weather are always different - it's always better to be based in the city where you're going to be playing.

"I'm kind of torn, I'm kind of hoping for a horrible windy day for match day."

After nine seasons and counting with Wellington Phoenix in the A-League, Durante has seen the best and worst of what Wellington can offer.

"I don't know what the crowd will be wanting, but we want to make it as uncomfortable and as beneficial for us as we can and if it means that we'll react better to the windy cold nights, then bring it on."

The 35-year-old Phoenix skipper is also upbeat about his own fitness, given that three weeks ago it looked as though he'd miss the two-leg intercontinental play- off with a groin adductor injury.

However, given that he lasted the full game in the Phoenix's 3-0 loss to Newcastle Jets last weekend, Durante is confident of pushing for a place in the All Whites' match-day squad.

"I played 90 minutes on the weekend, and it was good to get through that, for my confidence and to know that it's fine."

- AAP