Ben Sigmund has ruled himself out of starting against Spain tomorrow morning and the chance of playing against the world's No 1-ranked side.
The 28-year-old Phoenix player was in line to replace Andy Boyens at the heart of the All Whites' defence for their Confederations Cup opener but doesn't feel ready to start as he battles back from hip surgery at the end of the last A-League season.
He had hoped to see some game time in the 4-3 defeat to Italy on Thursday morning but the closeness of the match meant coach Ricki Herbert limited his use of substitutes.
"I'm ready but I don't think it's right to play without having played any minutes against a world-class side like Spain," he said.
"I don't think it would be the right thing to do for the team or me. Andy and Ivan [Vicelich] have done well anyway and it would be silly for me to get in their way and change what's been happening.
"South Africa is on the cards for me. I will sit on the bench for Spain and I could do 45 minutes, but 90, I will put my hand up and say I can't do that."
The most likely change to the side that started against Italy will see Mark Paston replace Glen Moss in goal, largely because Moss faces a four-game suspension for swearing at a referee during the 2-0 defeat to Fiji. That will see him sit out the home and away World Cup qualifiers in October and November.
Likely side: Paston, Mulligan, Vicelich, Boyens, Lochhead, Brockie, Brown (C), Elliott, Bertos, Smeltz, Killen.
Soccer: Sigmund sits it out
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