And with luck it will be very very different to 2013, for AWs.
Hopefully not Mexico.
If get 2 friendlies in January, OFC tourney, and 1-2 friendlies late May/early June - a pretty good 12 month buildup by AWs standards, going back to the Olympics. And seemingly a well ingrained game plan, with tweaks tried depending on opposition and player availability, ie Singh & Thomas both available may see a midfield diamond more.
2013 was a mess. NZF allowing Herbert to juggle 2 hats as AWs & Nix coach, so his time demands & focus all over the show. NZF not spending money on resources (like the analysis stuff Hudson later demanded) to help Herbert. No Confeds Cup buildup games, after 'Horror in Honiara'. Tailsman Reid's late West Ham injury withdrawl, a big morale blow from memory. Pretty shambolic buildup with knee jerk unplanned selections esp Jeremy Christie.
Much deeper squad depth now than 2013. Not having Reid or Thomas (2 of the big 3-4) won't be mortal blow that not having Reid was in 2013. We are used to not having them. Yeah Wood and/or Singh missing would be big blows. But depth is far far greater than the past. Will be underdogs, however over 90-120 mins will have a shot.
But yes first need to win the OFC tourney. Though the bad Covid situation in Island nations has them all, way behind with their preparations. A lot them haven't played an international game for 3 years now.
Hopefully not Mexico.
If get 2 friendlies in January, OFC tourney, and 1-2 friendlies late May/early June - a pretty good 12 month buildup by AWs standards, going back to the Olympics. And seemingly a well ingrained game plan, with tweaks tried depending on opposition and player availability, ie Singh & Thomas both available may see a midfield diamond more.
2013 was a mess. NZF allowing Herbert to juggle 2 hats as AWs & Nix coach, so his time demands & focus all over the show. NZF not spending money on resources (like the analysis stuff Hudson later demanded) to help Herbert. No Confeds Cup buildup games, after 'Horror in Honiara'. Tailsman Reid's late West Ham injury withdrawl, a big morale blow from memory. Pretty shambolic buildup with knee jerk unplanned selections esp Jeremy Christie.
Much deeper squad depth now than 2013. Not having Reid or Thomas (2 of the big 3-4) won't be mortal blow that not having Reid was in 2013. We are used to not having them. Yeah Wood and/or Singh missing would be big blows. But depth is far far greater than the past. Will be underdogs, however over 90-120 mins will have a shot.
But yes first need to win the OFC tourney. Though the bad Covid situation in Island nations has them all, way behind with their preparations. A lot them haven't played an international game for 3 years now.