Who knows how good Algeria 'A' were, but Smith & Boxall aside, that was either a very young or inexperienced internationally starting 11. de Vries on debut age 26, de Jong 25, Collier 26, so I'd call them the later.
Putting aside the opposition, 3 wins in a row must be building some confidence, and that can only be a good thing. On the back of a pretty good finish at the Olympics as well. So some momentum building. Though would be nice to play say a full strength top 50 side in that January window. However realise it will be very hard for NZF to find anyone fitting that.
But that's where the old Confederations Cup games were so handy (when AWs qualified for it), a few months prior the Intercontinental Playoffs. Got 3 tough quality pool opponents, for a true benchmark. Plus a good solid 3 week squad training warmup buildup prior. Also games with a true edge played in front of crowds. A link perhaps between the AWs worst performance in the playoffs (Mexico 2013), and not being in the Confeds prior that year (Brazil 2013).
Whoever the AWs play in June next year (yes providing they win the OFC tourney), is going to be a big jump in quality, plus a very different atmosphere from playing friendlies in front of no one. That's where the playoff opponent having played several high stakes, qualifying games with high tension, will have a big edge.
Putting aside the opposition, 3 wins in a row must be building some confidence, and that can only be a good thing. On the back of a pretty good finish at the Olympics as well. So some momentum building. Though would be nice to play say a full strength top 50 side in that January window. However realise it will be very hard for NZF to find anyone fitting that.
But that's where the old Confederations Cup games were so handy (when AWs qualified for it), a few months prior the Intercontinental Playoffs. Got 3 tough quality pool opponents, for a true benchmark. Plus a good solid 3 week squad training warmup buildup prior. Also games with a true edge played in front of crowds. A link perhaps between the AWs worst performance in the playoffs (Mexico 2013), and not being in the Confeds prior that year (Brazil 2013).
Whoever the AWs play in June next year (yes providing they win the OFC tourney), is going to be a big jump in quality, plus a very different atmosphere from playing friendlies in front of no one. That's where the playoff opponent having played several high stakes, qualifying games with high tension, will have a big edge.