Maybe they gambled on the affected Handy Prem clubs agreeing to release their players, like they did for the March window game verus Canada last year. Was the same date clash from memory.
This year the clubs obviously said no, which is understandable I guess esp for ES, who probably stood to be the most affected with call ups (Payne, De Jong, possibly also McCowatt, Just) - and they must be a real chance this year of hosting a semi, winning & clinching a OFC Champions League spot for the first time. Then of course a first CWC appearance becomes a chance, I bet Declan/Hay would love a shot at that.
Still a NZF fudge up, not being able to schedule it so the FIFA March window is free of Handy Prem games. Especially given there is so many pointless Handy games (semifinalists already locked in, but the league continues on) & OFC games (like yesterday's 13-0 rout for TW) over next few weeks.