Soccer: Ferns target Aussie tests

The New Zealand women's football team are targeting two tests against Australia as a chance to add another dimension to their medal chances at the Olympics. Photo / Getty Images.

The New Zealand women's football team are targeting two tests against Australia as a chance to add another dimension to their medal chances at the Olympics.

The Football Ferns take on the 10th ranked Matildas - a team they haven't beaten in 18 years - twice in four days, beginning in Wollongong on Sunday.

But ending a 12-match losing streak against China last week with consecutive victories in Auckland has given the London-bound Ferns a spring in their step heading into a predictably heated transtasman derby series.

Swedish-based professionals Ali Riley and Kirsty Yallop returned to Europe for club duty, meaning New Zealand coach Tony Readings will make at least two changes to his starting line-up, but he said he intended to look deeper into his squad during this series regardless.

"It'll take a whole squad to win a medal in London," Readings said. "There's six games in 16 days and it's a question of when, not if, players will be called on. Everyone will need to be ready.

"On this tour there will be opportunities handed to players who didn't play much, or at all, against China. We are serious about becoming a team that is capable of winning six games at the Games and winning a gold medal.

"There's five warm up matches left and we must improve in every one of those."

Riley's absence should see German-based fullback Anna Green enjoy more game time, while Annalie Longo and Betsy Hassett appear the front runners to fill Yallop's boots in midfield after being used off the bench against China.

Holly Patterson and Katie Bowen who have both played in defence and midfield for New Zealand should also see some action as they push for Olympic places.

Hannah Wilkinson and Rebecca Smith had their on-field minutes restricted against China as medical staff managed their recovery from injury, but could both see more time against Australia.

Readings was expecting a more physical approach from the Australians and, while he said he may tinker with formations in the upcoming matches, he was backing the Ferns new possession-based style of play to reap rewards.

"We're adopting a style that gives us more opportunities to win matches against a variety of teams and the long-term pay-off will be worth it."