Could be a decent side, ironic that nowdays we look weakest at CB. Would be great to see Rufer get some minutes, I feel like he deserves it and could be pretty effective in that side
Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
In the stuff article it just said Singh and Thomas were left out of squad as they've only just come back from long term injuries but I wonder if any of the journos will ask/have asked if Thomas is at all keen to put on the white shirt anytime soon
Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Hopefully Adams actually gets on the pitch this time too, given he's essentially next cab off the rank in terms of CB's for us. Was a bit disappointed he didn't see game time against Australia.
In the stuff article it just said Singh and Thomas were left out of squad as they've only just come back from long term injuries but I wonder if any of the journos will ask/have asked if Thomas is at all keen to put on the white shirt anytime soon
I reckon Thomas will be in the squad for the Sweden game, much easier travel and can be better monitored by the PEC Zwolle medical team
Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Hopefully Adams actually gets on the pitch this time too, given he's essentially next cab off the rank in terms of CB's for us. Was a bit disappointed he didn't see game time against Australia.
Not much of an eye to the future re the CBs. Picking both Smith (33 this month) & M Boxall (35 in August). At least one, probably both, won't be at the 2026 WC.
Though to be fair who comes in for either of them I'm not entirely sure. Boxall jnr is 31, and not getting ALM mins. Surman is with the U23s. Interesting to know if either Smith or Boxall snr would have missed out if Tuiloma was available. These China games are not must win (though Bazeley may think so as he auditions for AWs job), and gotta start blooding some younger CBs at some point.
Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Hopefully Adams actually gets on the pitch this time too, given he's essentially next cab off the rank in terms of CB's for us. Was a bit disappointed he didn't see game time against Australia.
Not much of an eye to the future re the CBs. Picking both Smith (33 this month) & M Boxall (35 in August). At least one, probably both, won't be at the 2026 WC.
Though to be fair who comes in for either of them I'm not entirely sure. Boxall jnr is 31, and not getting ALM mins. Surman is with the U23s. Interesting to know if either Smith or Boxall snr would have missed out if Tuiloma was available. These China games are not must win (though Bazeley may think so as he auditions for AWs job), and gotta start blooding some younger CBs at some point.
I’d put Rufer CB. Thought he was decent when he deputised at Phoenix that time. Could be his long term future. CDM has others coming through like Stamenic who will likely usurp him there. Might be a solid pairing of Rufer (29) and Surman (23) in 2026.
A third will be added to the squad on each matchday from the under-23 squad that will play a pair of curtain raisers against a Chinese under-24 side, with Phoenix No 2 Alex Paulsen, Kees Sims – the likely starter at this year’s Under-20 World Cup – and Scott Morris the three contenders.
Bazeley made it clear Sail was the All Whites’ No 1 and would likely start both games, with Marinovic, who has been training in Auckland, included to push him and step in if necessary.
He mentioned Max Crocombe, Nik Tzanev and Michael Woud as goalkeepers who had missed out because it was felt they were better off staying with their clubs in England and Japan.
Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Hopefully Adams actually gets on the pitch this time too, given he's essentially next cab off the rank in terms of CB's for us. Was a bit disappointed he didn't see game time against Australia.
Not much of an eye to the future re the CBs. Picking both Smith (33 this month) & M Boxall (35 in August). At least one, probably both, won't be at the 2026 WC.
Though to be fair who comes in for either of them I'm not entirely sure. Boxall jnr is 31, and not getting ALM mins. Surman is with the U23s. Interesting to know if either Smith or Boxall snr would have missed out if Tuiloma was available. These China games are not must win (though Bazeley may think so as he auditions for AWs job), and gotta start blooding some younger CBs at some point.
I’d put Rufer CB. Thought he was decent when he deputised at Phoenix that time. Could be his long term future. CDM has others coming through like Stamenic who will likely usurp him there. Might be a solid pairing of Rufer (29) and Surman (23) in 2026.
Rufer would need to play CB for the Nix (or whatever club he is at) for a season first before you'd give him a go with the AWs. But interesting idea.
Tuiloma will only be 31 by mid 2026, so he'll definitely be in the mix. But he's bit error prone. Was disappointing for AWs in those 2 big games with atmosphere against Peru & CR last year. There is certainly no top quality CB leader like a Nelsen or Reid with this team for any pressure cooker games.
Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Hopefully Adams actually gets on the pitch this time too, given he's essentially next cab off the rank in terms of CB's for us. Was a bit disappointed he didn't see game time against Australia.
Not much of an eye to the future re the CBs. Picking both Smith (33 this month) & M Boxall (35 in August). At least one, probably both, won't be at the 2026 WC.
Though to be fair who comes in for either of them I'm not entirely sure. Boxall jnr is 31, and not getting ALM mins. Surman is with the U23s. Interesting to know if either Smith or Boxall snr would have missed out if Tuiloma was available. These China games are not must win (though Bazeley may think so as he auditions for AWs job), and gotta start blooding some younger CBs at some point.
My ranking of NZ CBs (excluding those who definitely won’t be at the 2026 WC)
1. Tuiloma 2. Pijnaker 3. Tim Payne 4. Kyle Adams 5. Finn Surman
There’s a real dearth of quality CBs at the moment, my hope though is that the likes of Marley Leuluai, Till Estermann, Finn Linder and Tyler Bindon break into senior professional environments and all commit to NZ.
A third will be added to the squad on each matchday from the under-23 squad that will play a pair of curtain raisers against a Chinese under-24 side, with Phoenix No 2 Alex Paulsen, Kees Sims – the likely starter at this year’s Under-20 World Cup – and Scott Morris the three contenders.
Bazeley made it clear Sail was the All Whites’ No 1 and would likely start both games, with Marinovic, who has been training in Auckland, included to push him and step in if necessary.
He mentioned Max Crocombe, Nik Tzanev and Michael Woud as goalkeepers who had missed out because it was felt they were better off staying with their clubs in England and Japan.
I would still love to know what makes Sail such a clear nr 1 for the All Whites? Stefan hasn't put a foot wrong for the national team, I know his club career has not been great last 12-18 months but feels harsh that he has lost the battle without letting us down at all.
Bazeley showing a lack of leadership IMO - merely continuing on from the decision that Hay made. Not a good sign if he is to be the full time coach. Perfect opportunity to give both keepers a run.
What a legend Chris Wood is. In many years gone by it was always a question of if the biggest name guy would come back for games like this, or even much bigger matches (Rufer, Nelsen, Reid, etc), some did better than others. Wood though, it's never a surprise he's in the squad.
It sets a great example too. Looks like Cacace has a similar mind set so far, maybe influenced by Wood.
I guess with Singh and Thomas it makes sense with their injury history they aren't available, but I hope they are back for Sweden match if not injured again at the time.
Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Hopefully Adams actually gets on the pitch this time too, given he's essentially next cab off the rank in terms of CB's for us. Was a bit disappointed he didn't see game time against Australia.
Not much of an eye to the future re the CBs. Picking both Smith (33 this month) & M Boxall (35 in August). At least one, probably both, won't be at the 2026 WC.
Though to be fair who comes in for either of them I'm not entirely sure. Boxall jnr is 31, and not getting ALM mins. Surman is with the U23s. Interesting to know if either Smith or Boxall snr would have missed out if Tuiloma was available. These China games are not must win (though Bazeley may think so as he auditions for AWs job), and gotta start blooding some younger CBs at some point.
I’d put Rufer CB. Thought he was decent when he deputised at Phoenix that time. Could be his long term future. CDM has others coming through like Stamenic who will likely usurp him there. Might be a solid pairing of Rufer (29) and Surman (23) in 2026.
Stamenic is far better than Rufer - already usurped him for sure - but Stamenic's future lies as an 8.
Can't see Rufer becoming a CB. Pijnaker's just turned 24 too, and many young CBs still with time to make their mark in the coming years
What a legend Chris Wood is. In many years gone by it was always a question of if the biggest name guy would come back for games like this, or even much bigger matches (Rufer, Nelsen, Reid, etc), some did better than others. Wood though, it's never a surprise he's in the squad.
It sets a great example too. Looks like Cacace has a similar mind set so far, maybe influenced by Wood.
I guess with Singh and Thomas it makes sense with their injury history they aren't available, but I hope they are back for Sweden match if not injured again at the time.
Definitely agree with this! Hopefully his body takes him through to the 2026 World Cup, deserves to captain the All Whites at the World Cup.
A third will be added to the squad on each matchday from the under-23 squad that will play a pair of curtain raisers against a Chinese under-24 side, with Phoenix No 2 Alex Paulsen, Kees Sims – the likely starter at this year’s Under-20 World Cup – and Scott Morris the three contenders.
Bazeley made it clear Sail was the All Whites’ No 1 and would likely start both games, with Marinovic, who has been training in Auckland, included to push him and step in if necessary.
He mentioned Max Crocombe, Nik Tzanev and Michael Woud as goalkeepers who had missed out because it was felt they were better off staying with their clubs in England and Japan.
I would still love to know what makes Sail such a clear nr 1 for the All Whites? Stefan hasn't put a foot wrong for the national team, I know his club career has not been great last 12-18 months but feels harsh that he has lost the battle without letting us down at all.
Bazeley showing a lack of leadership IMO - merely continuing on from the decision that Hay made. Not a good sign if he is to be the full time coach. Perfect opportunity to give both keepers a run.
Sail is playing consistently and better since Rufer's return. Marinovic has not got a club which says a bit about how his past seasons have played out. Past games for the AW's will have little to do with it, if you're not in form now then why would a coach pick you? Sail may not be in the form of his life but he's probably the most consistent keeper in contention for the AW's at the moment.
What a legend Chris Wood is. In many years gone by it was always a question of if the biggest name guy would come back for games like this, or even much bigger matches (Rufer, Nelsen, Reid, etc), some did better than others. Wood though, it's never a surprise he's in the squad.
It sets a great example too. Looks like Cacace has a similar mind set so far, maybe influenced by Wood.
I guess with Singh and Thomas it makes sense with their injury history they aren't available, but I hope they are back for Sweden match if not injured again at the time.
Bloody love the Woodsman. He's the hero NZ football needs. All in for his country no matter what.
A massive loss potentially incoming, hopefully he just misses Forest's last game before the IW against Newcastle.
Depending on how bad it is, it might be he joins the squad but sits out the Auckland game and Grieve or Mata lead the line, then is maybe ready to start in Wellington.
Greive has played 45 minutes since returning from an injury. Might be a big ask to start him? Mata better option on current form.Wusty Wab
A massive loss potentially incoming, hopefully he just misses Forest's last game before the IW against Newcastle.
Depending on how bad it is, it might be he joins the squad but sits out the Auckland game and Grieve or Mata lead the line, then is maybe ready to start in Wellington.
Is an opportunity for Mata and Greive. These are just friendlies 3 years before the WC. Need to develop some replacements for the Woodsman.
Wouldn’t even bother bringing him all the way to NZ if he’s got a niggle. What’s the point. Especially since his club is fighting to avoid the drop. We don’t really want him in The Championship next season
Plenty of other AWs friendlies this year hopefully for him to play in
Wow tickets are way more expensive for the All whites friendly vs China (no star players), than the football ferns game against the world champion USWNT.
Wow tickets are way more expensive for the All whites friendly vs China (no star players), than the football ferns game against the world champion USWNT.
To state the bleeding obvious... one is mens football and one is womens football. I love both but the reality is it still ain't the same level of marketability just yet. Look at Auckland attendance for Ferns vs USA and then Auckland attendance for All Whites vs Australia.
Wow tickets are way more expensive for the All whites friendly vs China (no star players), than the football ferns game against the world champion USWNT.
To state the bleeding obvious... one is mens football and one is womens football. I love both but the reality is it still ain't the same level of marketability just yet. Look at Auckland attendance for Ferns vs USA and then Auckland attendance for All Whites vs Australia.
even the NZ vs Philippines world cup match is cheaper in category 1 (60 vs 89).
Notts Forest website states he was ruled out of the Newcastle game with his injury - which he not have been able to play even if fit, as part of his deal from Newcastle.
Would still be good to get some sort of update from nzf... surely he would be on his way by now. Then again they probably wouldn't know either I hear the fax is broken and it's the weekend.
Notts Forest website states he was ruled out of the Newcastle game with his injury - which he not have been able to play even if fit, as part of his deal from Newcastle.
Just a heads up, just in case anyone here finds themselves talking to a Forest fan, they hate their team being referred to as "Notts". "Notts" is reserved for their rivals Notts County. Forest are either "Forest" or "Nottingham Forest". Hopefully I just saved a few lives ;-)
I thought his loan turned into a transfer soon after he arrived, am I wrong? Otherwise there was no barrier to him playing v Newcastle.coochiee
siac
Any news on if Wood is playing?
Notts Forest website states he was ruled out of the Newcastle game with his injury - which he not have been able to play even if fit, as part of his deal from Newcastle.
I thought his loan turned into a transfer soon after he arrived, am I wrong? Otherwise there was no barrier to him playing v Newcastle.coochiee
siac
Any news on if Wood is playing?
Notts Forest website states he was ruled out of the Newcastle game with his injury - which he not have been able to play even if fit, as part of his deal from Newcastle.
I'm pretty sure the transfer was agreed after the winter transfer window closed and therefore it remains a loan until the next window opens.
.@tommysmith1990 could potentially earn his 50th All Whites cap in Auckland next week. We caught up with him about how it feels to reach that milestone and which of his 49 games so far have been the most memorable.
