KEY POINTS:
Ricki Herbert is taking nothing for granted in preparing the All Whites for their World Cup qualifier against Vanuatu in Port Vila this afternoon.
Speaking from Sydney before the team flew to Port Vila yesterday afternoon, Herbert said he knew it would be a battle in more ways
than one.
"We are going to be respectful just as we were when we played Fiji," said Herbert. "The conditions will make things difficult and force our hand in many ways. A lot of people dismiss these games as being easy but I can tell you they are far from that."
The island nations love their football and a huge crowd will be on hand this afternoon as Vanuatu make the most of home conditions in their first World Cup/Confederations Cup qualifier.
"We know they will be quicker and technically better than Fiji but probably not as physical," said Herbert. "But, we have to accept the heat will be a factor and that the way we use the bench could be crucial. We also have to be mindful that we play them again in four days [in Wellington] so don't want to lose players through injury or suspension."
Vanuatu finished third behind New Caledonia and Fiji at the South Pacific Games in Samoa and have lost a couple of players to suspensions.
While there has been no talk among the players about the no-shows by Ryan Nelsen and Chris Killen, Herbert has to reshuffle the pack for today's game. He will go with regular custodian Mark Paston in goal but might be tempted to reunite Andy Boyens and Ben Sigmund in central defence - after their bold showing against Wales - and push Ivan Vicelich into midfield. Tony Lochhead will play at left back but Herbert will consider his options at right back with his preference perhaps James Pritchett ahead of Jeremy Christie to get more flank mobility.
Captain Tim Brown will join Vicelich in midfield with David Mulligan or Duncan Oughton set to complete that trio. Shane Smeltz will spearhead the attack but given the need to have width on both flanks, Leo Bertos and Chris James could get the nod ahead of Jarrod Smith and newcomer Daniel Ellensohn.
"Against Fiji we probably did not get enough ball out wide," said Herbert. "We have to look to stretch teams, which means playing three up front and three in midfield."
The players were presented with their shirts in Sydney on Thursday night by Max Davis, who played one international.
"Max only played that one game for New Zealand but he was always very proud and passionate about that," said All Whites assistant coach Brian Turner. "We felt he was an ideal person to have along, given what has happened recently."
The mission
World Cup qualifier
Vanuatu v New Zealand
Port Vila today 4pm (NZ time)
New Zealand (likely)
Mark Paston
James Pritchett
Andy Boyens
Ben Sigmund
Tony Lochhead
Tim Brown (c)
Ivan Vicelich
Duncan Oughton
Chris James
Shane Smeltz
Leo Bertos.
Substitutes: Jacob Spoonley, Jeremy Christie, David Mulligan, Jeff Campbell, Jarrod Smith, Daniel Ellensohn.