KEY POINTS:
A failed last-minute fitness test has cost Central midfielder Shea McAleese his chance to play for the Black Sticks in next month's Olympic qualifying tournament.
Going into the last of four build-up internationals against Japan in Mt Maunganui on Tuesday night, national coach Shane McLeod had flagged McAleese and Midlands' Lloyd Stephenson as the players on the cusp of selection in the 18-man squad.
McLeod was holding back on his final selection with McAleese, 23, to undergo a last-minute assessment on a shoulder injury which has troubled him for some time after dislocating it some months ago and having it "pop" several times since.
In the end, McLeod was not prepared to take the risk, opening the way for Stephenson's deserved selection and the chance to add to his 75 caps.
New Zealand will take vastly experienced side into the six-nation tournament which starts at North Harbour's Crown Relocations Stadium on February 2 with the hosts to play Trinidad and Tobago on opening day.
Captain Ryan Archibald, 27, should join New Zealand's exclusive "200 club" in the third match against the United States on February 5.
With more than 1800 caps between them, the squad members average 100 internationals. Canterbury defender Andy Hayward, 22, with 15 is the least experienced while the youngest, Simon Child, 19, has already played 64 times for the national side.
Steve Edwards, 22, who has slotted in nicely at centre-half and is set to play many times in the pivotal position, has already had 28 outings.
Bevan Hari, 33, with 205 caps, is the most experienced.
The players are now on a much-needed and welcome break after playing eight internationals in double-quick time against Chile and Japan. They scored 33 goals at better than four a game in winning seven and losing once (to Chile).
For McLeod, in the job for less than a year, the qualifying tournament is his biggest challenge.
"We go in well-prepared for what will be quite an even sort of competition," he said.
"Argentina and New Zealand may have their heads out in front but it is definitely not a two-horse race."
McLeod rates France as "difficult" and says Ireland play a defensive, robust game which does not suit the New Zealand style. He has some concerns over the below-average strike rate from penalty corners but feels the team's set play is improving. With a little work when they reassemble on Sunday for a final week-long preparation, he is confident they will be ready.
With only the winner of the February 10 final to win through to the Beijing Olympics, the stakes could not be higher.
* PLAYING SCHEDULE
(All matches at Crowns Relocations Stadium, North Harbour)
Feb 2: v Trinidad and Tobago 2pm
Feb 3: v Ireland 1.15pm
Feb 5: v USA 6pm
Feb 6: v Argentina 4pm
Feb 9: v France 2.15pm
Feb 10: play-offs (final 2.45pm)
* SQUAD FOR QUALIFIERS
GOALKEEPERS
Kyle Pontifex (Wellington) 27 years 55 caps
Paul Woolford (Auckland) 30 119
DEFENDERS
Andy Hayward (Canterbury) 22 15
Dean Couzins (Auckland) 26 142
Blair Hopping (North Harbour) 27 164
James Nation (Auckland) 31 75
Brad Shaw (Canterbury) 24 55
Hayden Shaw (Canterbury)
MIDFIELDERS
Ryan Archibald (Auckland) 27 197
Ben Collier (North Harbour) 23 55
Steve Edwards (North Harbour) 22 28
Casey Henwood (Midlands) 27 48
Lloyd Stephenson (Midlands) 26 75
STRIKERS
Gareth Brooks (Auckland) 28 85
Phil Burrows (Wellington) 27 179
Simon Child (Auckland) 19 64
Bevan Hari (Central) 33 205
Dave Kosoof (North Harbour) 29 117
