Phoenix to play pre-season in Hamilton

Wellington Phoenix will venture to Hamilton for the first time for a pre-season soccer fixture on July 10.

The Phoenix will host Brisbane Roar at Waikato Stadium, hoping to garner the same support they have enjoyed for pre-season matches in Christchurch, Queenstown and Palmerston North in recent seasons.

Club chief executive Tony Pignata said there was a "vibrant and passionate" soccer community in Waikato while he predicted supporters from Auckland and surrounding areas would make the trip to support New Zealand's A-League club.

The Phoenix are expected to bring a full-strength squad to Hamilton, with head coach Ricki Herbert and the Wellington club's New Zealand international contingent most likely to back from the World Cup in South Africa.

"Unless, of course, the All Whites happen to be in the World Cup final (on July 11) or the playoff for third (on July 10)," said Pignata.

"Strange things can happen in sport."

The Hamilton match will be the first competitive pre-season hit-out for the Phoenix. They will also play against powerhouse Argentinian club Boca Juniors in Wellington on July 23.

- NZPA