Michael Burgess: Shaky rearguard let down attack

Fullback Storm Roux struggled in Tokyo but will improve. Photo / Getty Images

This All Whites attack could become the best we have ever had - but the defence needs serious examination.

It's been almost 15 months but the All Whites are still struggling with the ghost of Ryan Nelsen; it's hard to recall a solid defensive display against a top side since his international retirement in January last year.

The defensive disaster against Japan isn't the end of the world; Samurai Blue recently drew with the Netherlands and beat Belgium (in Belgium) - they are a top-class team, especially on attack. Goalkeeper Glen Moss should have done better with at least two of the goals, which would have given the scoreline a different sheen.

The future depends on finding credible alternatives for Winston Reid and Tommy Smith in the centre of defence, as well as deciding the fullbacks of the future and sticking with them.

Reid is the best New Zealand defender by a considerable distance but we may have to get used to his unavailability, especially in the next 12 months or so. Highly valued at West Ham, to the point that their slump earlier this season coincided with his absence, if he moves to a bigger club, it will be even harder to get him released. As Nelsen did for a time, Reid may choose to focus on his Premier League career.

Ipswich's Tommy Smith is vital to the cause but seems to have lost the desire; hopefully it returns.

Andrew Durante, despite a difficult start to his international career, may have a future but can't be the main man - he needs allies beside him.

The fullback conundrum - which has dogged New Zealand football for the best part of a decade - continues but there is hope on the horizon. Michael Boxall has been improving dramatically this season at the Phoenix, while Michael Fitzgerald continues to impress in the J-League and Louis Fenton has undoubted potential.

Storm Roux struggled on Wednesday but will develop with time but perhaps Bill Tuiloma can be better used elsewhere.

His club Marseille are grooming him as a defensive midfielder - and in time, the strong, athletic 18-year old, who is also handy with the ball at his feet, could provide a shield for the back four, maybe alongside Tim Payne.

However, the questions over the defence are slightly alleviated by the promise in the front third. This New Zealand team now has genuine weapons; it's no longer a matter of needing a clean sheet and nicking a goal. This team may concede a goal or two, but they have the firepower to respond and the ability to keep possession.

On debut, Ryan Thomas showed why Dutch club PEC Zwolle were so quick to extend his contract, with poise and precision in possession.

Chris Wood demonstrated the confidence that flows from being part of a team flying at the top of the Championship (even though he hasn't been a regular starter at Leicester) and 19-year-old Tyler Boyd wasn't overawed in front of a capacity Tokyo crowd.

"Especially with the ball, we did really well," Moss said after the game. "I don't think we've played like that with the ball since I've been with the All Whites."

Add in Marco Rojas, Michael McGlinchey, Cameron Howieson and the still sharp goal-scoring instincts of Shane Smeltz, and the future up front seems as bright as those sparkling new All Whites uniforms.