Soccer: All Whites, Socceroos clash a chance

Ricki Herbert. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert isn't ruling out resurrecting trans-Tasman soccer rivalry with a clash against the Socceroos in the lead up to the World Cup.

The Socceroos and All Whites have not played each other since clashing on neutral territory in London in June 2005, when the Australians prevailed 1-0.

But a match up would have plenty of appeal for fans in both countries after New Zealand joined Australia in qualifying for the World Cup finals in South Africa in June - the first time the old foes have been in the same World Cup tournament.

Both teams have yet to finalise their schedule of warm up matches prior to the World Cup.

Asked about whether he would like his All Whites to play the Socceroos before the World Cup, Herbert told AAP: "From a historical point of view there's nothing better than when you played against Australia.

"I think that trans-Tasman rivalry in any sport is massive.

"We will see. Maybe I will have a chat with (Socceroo coach) Pim (Verbeek) one day and see what we can do."

While Australian A-League players have been encouraged to seek overseas opportunities to ensure they keep playing up to the World Cup, Herbert hopes to keep his locally-based players together once their domestic commitments finish.

"I want to take them into camp, I'd like to get them abroad somewhere and play two or three games," Herbert said.

"We will be training and together and we can bring the European-based players in about May, so hopefully we can make that happen."

It looms as a busy year for Herbert, who is continuing to combine his national team commitments with coaching A-League club Wellington Phoenix.

"We will see what the future is and I might have to make a call one day," Herbert said.

Phoenix improved their finals prospects on New Year's eve when striker Paul Ifill scored both goals in a 2-0 away win over Central Coast in Gosford.

The victory lifted Phoenix above Central Coast and North Queensland into seventh spot and just three points behind fourth-placed Newcastle.

"We've got four games out of seven at home and our (home) form has been pretty decent, but you certainly can't rest on those laurels," Herbert said.

The win over Central Coast was only Phoenix's second outside New Zealand this season, but Herbert said he had no fear about playing away from home.

"If we are going to be a finals team, we could well be drawn away in the first part of that, so you are going to have to perform well anyway," Herbert said.

Phoenix captain Andrew Durante said if his team won their next two games at home against Brisbane and North Queensland it could lock his team into the top six.

- AAP