Soccer: Moment of truth for Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Shane Rufer is promising far-reaching changes when the Football Kingz meet the Canberra Cosmos at North Harbour Stadium tonight.

Rufer has taken the reins in the absence of his brother, Wynton, who is in Germany on Fifa business, and said he was prepared to make changes in the push for three vital league points.

"I want 11 people out there fighting all the time," Rufer said. "We have to be more assertive. It is hard work at this time of the year but we have to forget all that and go after three points."

The Kingz have won only once at North Harbour Stadium and if they do not pick up any points tonight they will be out of top-six contention.

Dino Mennillo, back from suspension, comes in for Wynton Rufer while Shane Rufer is also keen to draft newcomer Mark Elrick into the 14-man squad for the match.

"I'll probably start with Aaron Silva and Fred de Jong up front but make changes in the midfield and defence. Most Australian teams have played a 2-5-3 formation while we have tended to stick with 4-4-2. We might have to change that."

The Kingz are still without injured goalkeeper Michael Utting and midfielder Aaran Lines, although there is some hope that they might be ready for the January 7 game against Carlton.

If they miss that match they will definitely be back in contention for the January 26 home game against Perth, when the Kingz resume playing after upcoming All Whites games.

Rufer continues to be frustrated by the inconsistencies shown by match officials but refuses to accept that as an excuse for indifferent performances.

"It is all about getting out there and wanting to play for 90 minutes," he said. "We are not a bad side but we have to learn to work very hard."

Tonight's game kicks off at 6 pm.