All Whites vs Socceroos | Fri 5th Sept | 9:45pm | GIO Stadium (Canberra) | Duke TV/FIFA+

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Over 100 years ago, the captains of our two fine nations smoked cigars and then kept the ashes in a case that was used by a soldier in Gallipoli. That was after we won the first one in 1922. In the 50s, the ashes went missing after a leadership overhaul and fallout at Football Australia. It was lost for 50 years after he took it home and kept it there. Bloody Aussies, no surprises there.

To have another crack at them in World Cup year is huge, and with the environments, experience and minutes our young guys are getting, we're ready to knock them off their perch. After the 2023 London game, we dominated them in the stands, and can't wait to grow better and louder again to win that battle too.

If you're keen on an away day wherever you're based, have a look here and let us know your thoughts and plans. There's great potential for a good group size and the collective experience around the actual game too will be alot of fun.

https://theflyingkiwisfc.com/join-us-for-active-support-in-canberra-for-new-zealand-vs-australia-football-september-5th/?

Cheers for kicking things off. This'll be my first Flying Kiwis event, and hopefully lots of our VicNix and Little Corner of Yellow friends will be able to make it too.

Despite Canberra's reputation I enjoyed the one short stay I've had there. My recommendations for anyone going:

Oh and I'm looking forward to the game too!

Simon B

Cheers for kicking things off. This'll be my first Flying Kiwis event, and hopefully lots of our VicNix and Little Corner of Yellow friends will be able to make it too.

Despite Canberra's reputation I enjoyed the one short stay I've had there. My recommendations for anyone going:

• For food, Grease Monkey and Brodburger - according to locals this is a religious divide, but both are excellent (I've proposed Grease Monkey for pre-match because it's only 30 minutes away from the stadium)
• As a post-game hangover cure, Lake Burley Griffin parkrun - free 5km run/walk/stagger, 8:00am every Saturday
• For something more serious, the Australian War Memorial is a sobering reminder of what links us and Aussie off the sportsfield (the guided tours are worth it, as is staying for the Last Post)

Oh and I'm looking forward to the game too!

Great ideas thanks for linking in. Memorial a great shout, Park Run will be great for some and shows the potential for such a class all round experience and weekend.

Just put this edit together, some horrendous Trans Tasman Tackles over the years

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLXKLWAMs_p/?igsh=MXNsYWFlbGJlMmcwcA==

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360765689/all-whites-set-finish-2025-playing-five-teams-ranked-worlds-top-40-fifa

The All Whites squad for the two matches against Australia for the Soccer Ashes – a historic trophy that was rediscovered ahead of their last meeting, in London in October 2023 – will be named in mid-August.

As above the AWs squad maybe named as early as the end of next week.

Some noise Ben Gibson could be the bolter. Especially if Waine's Port Vale are to play through the Sept window. Mata will likely still be out with his hammy injury.
If Dyer had stayed with Galway and was still scoring bangers there who knows. But suspect Baze told him he wasn't honestly a chance for the World Cup, and feel free to take the money in Cambodia.

Will Elliott retain his spot, or Roux come back in as the 2nd RB?
That's presuming Payne is fit and available to be RB first choice.

If Baze continues to pick 5 CBs, surely Tommy Smith is gonski and it's Tuiloma or Stanger. With MLS getting down to the business end, will be some (maybe subtle) pressure on all 3 of the MLS CB picks, to stay Stateside. MLS games can be often be played through FIFA windows.

Since the games are in Aus & NZ, Sail might come back in as the 3rd GK. Tzanev's Newport County also may have to play through the window.

Lastly if Garbett is still sans a club, someone from Rogerson/Randall/Gillion you think would come in, in Matt G's place. Dibley-Dias also a chance, though less like for like. That's if Bazeley is consistent with his chatter that players need to be playing to make the squad. In June alot of the squad were in their off seasons (ie not playing), so a bit easier to excuse Garbett's selection.

June's squad for those 2 games in Toronto

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Nik Tzanev
Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma
Midfielders: Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Elijah Just, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Ben Waine, Chris Wood 

coochiee

As above the AWs squad maybe named as early as the end of next week.

Some noise Ben Gibson could be the bolter. Especially if Waine's Port Vale are to play through the Sept window. Mata will likely still be out with his hammy injury.
If Dyer had stayed with Galway and was still scoring bangers there who knows. But suspect Baze told him he wasn't honestly a chance for the World Cup, and feel free to take the money in Cambodia.

Will Elliott retain his spot, or Roux come back in as the 2nd RB?
That's presuming Payne is fit and available to be RB first choice.

If Baze continues to pick 5 CBs, surely Tommy Smith is gonski and it's Tuiloma or Stanger. With MLS getting down to the business end, will be some (maybe subtle) pressure on all 3 of the MLS CB picks, to stay Stateside. MLS games can be often be played through FIFA windows.

Since the games are in Aus & NZ, Sail might come back in as the 3rd GK. Tzanev's Newport County also may have to play through the window.

Lastly if Garbett is still sans a club, someone from Rogerson/Randall/Gillion you think would come in, in Matt G's place. Dibley-Dias also a chance, though less like for like. That's if Bazeley is consistent with his chatter that players need to be playing to make the squad. In June alot of the squad were in their off seasons (ie not playing), so a bit easier to excuse Garbett's selection.

June's squad for those 2 games in Toronto

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Nik Tzanev
Defenders: Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma
Midfielders: Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Elijah Just, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Ben Waine, Chris Wood 

 for some of those it will be a bind between turning out for the AWs and trying to stake a claim for the WC v bedding in with their club. Tuiloma for example, 6 starts in a row, off contract in a few months v getting back into AW frame. Waine with a new club and wanting to impress, Just, Singh, Cacace, Blindon, Tzanev, Crocombe similarly. Paulsen and Stamenic maybe out on load to new clubs.

Garbutt probably the least to worry about with his club

For those in L1/L2 and the MLS there could be some genuine club verus country headaches. Same re Garbett if he is by chance at a new club between now and September.

And they will know there are plenty of hungry young players on the AWs fringes like Gray/Sims, Stanger, Dibley-Dias, Randall, Gillion and Gibson dead keen for a chance in an AWs camp to showcase themselves.

But the others will all be in leagues that observe the Sept window. I'd put my house that Stamenic will be, even if no longer at Forest.

coochiee

For those in L1/L2 and the MLS there could be some genuine club verus country headaches. Same re Garbett if he is by chance at a new club between now and September.

And they will know there are plenty of hungry young players on the AWs fringes like Gray/Sims, Stanger, Dibley-Dias, Randall, Gillion and Gibson dead keen for a chance in an AWs camp to showcase themselves.

But the others will all be in leagues that observe the Sept window. I'd put my house that Stamenic will be, even if no longer at Forest.

Very good point. Ben Waine in League One. Does it still affect MLS? Norway play through as well I think. Dibley-Dias has said he wants to nail first team football first and is at League 2 at the moment, I'm not sure he's made his decision or will be seen until after the world cup.

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Here’s my speculative lineup and squad a few weeks out.

No room for Garbett given his lack of playing time, but could still make the cut if Rufer isn’t fit yet.

I’m not sure of the extent of Pijnaker’s injury so I’ve picked Stanger, though the spot could go to Hughes if we look closer to home.

I’ve started Singh because I think we need to play a double pivot instead of a midfield 3 without Thomas or Garbett, and Sarpreet is back starting. Could swap him out for McCowatt though - put Just central and McC on the right.

Ben Gibson is there too, I’ve put him in the 10 for the graphic but he would be a ST back up alongside Waine.

Randall and Rogerson probably the only unlucky ones to miss out.

Friar Tuck

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Here’s my speculative lineup and squad a few weeks out.

No room for Garbett given his lack of playing time, but could still make the cut if Rufer isn’t fit yet.

I’m not sure of the extent of Pijnaker’s injury so I’ve picked Stanger, though the spot could go to Hughes if we look closer to home.

I’ve started Singh because I think we need to play a double pivot instead of a midfield 3 without Thomas or Garbett, and Sarpreet is back starting. Could swap him out for McCowatt though - put Just central and McC on the right.

Ben Gibson is there too, I’ve put him in the 10 for the graphic but he would be a ST back up alongside Waine.

Randall and Rogerson probably the only unlucky ones to miss out.

 I'd be tempted to give 2-3 of the Europe based forwards time off to get settled with their new clubs or chance to get game time and have Rogerson, maybe Ben Gibson and Randell in the squad. October different story as being played in Europe, Gibson and R/R maybe not travel. October is time for Thomas to come back in and, if he is getting reguar game time, sound out Dibley-Dias about being in the squad

dick le roc returns

Friar Tuck

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Here’s my speculative lineup and squad a few weeks out.

No room for Garbett given his lack of playing time, but could still make the cut if Rufer isn’t fit yet.

I’m not sure of the extent of Pijnaker’s injury so I’ve picked Stanger, though the spot could go to Hughes if we look closer to home.

I’ve started Singh because I think we need to play a double pivot instead of a midfield 3 without Thomas or Garbett, and Sarpreet is back starting. Could swap him out for McCowatt though - put Just central and McC on the right.

Ben Gibson is there too, I’ve put him in the 10 for the graphic but he would be a ST back up alongside Waine.

Randall and Rogerson probably the only unlucky ones to miss out.

 I'd be tempted to give 2-3 of the Europe based forwards time off to get settled with their new clubs or chance to get game time and have Rogerson, maybe Ben Gibson and Randell in the squad. October different story as being played in Europe, Gibson and R/R maybe not travel. October is time for Thomas to come back in and, if he is getting reguar game time, sound out Dibley-Dias about being in the squad

Good shout, maybe swap out Waineo so he can work on solidifying his spot at Port Vale and let Gibson and Kosta be the backup STs.

Friar Tuck

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Here’s my speculative lineup and squad a few weeks out.

No room for Garbett given his lack of playing time, but could still make the cut if Rufer isn’t fit yet.

I’m not sure of the extent of Pijnaker’s injury so I’ve picked Stanger, though the spot could go to Hughes if we look closer to home.

I’ve started Singh because I think we need to play a double pivot instead of a midfield 3 without Thomas or Garbett, and Sarpreet is back starting. Could swap him out for McCowatt though - put Just central and McC on the right.

Ben Gibson is there too, I’ve put him in the 10 for the graphic but he would be a ST back up alongside Waine.

Randall and Rogerson probably the only unlucky ones to miss out.

Good lineup that to be fair.
Really hope we can get Ryan Thomas in for this window though. 🙏
 
Pretty sure we won't be seeing Nando in the squad as have heard he's out for a little while, but not long term in the scheme of things.

And will Rufer be fit by then?

Squad naming tomorrow it states near end of this article

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360786094/chris-wood-scores-two-nottingham-forest-beat-brentford-english-premier-league-opener

Wood is set to be named in Darren Bazeley's All Whites squad on Tuesday for their Soccer Ashes friendlies against Australia's Socceroos in Canberra and Auckland next month.

He will be looking to add to his tally of 44 goals from 84 international appearances by opening his account against Australia at the sixth time of trying.

Really who deserves a chance this window that hasn't been in the team for a while. 

For me it's only..

- Gibson
- Randall
- Rogerson
- Baylis 
- Stranger 

I don't think there is anyone else making a claim?? 

Is Gibson actually in the starting team for Newcastle? 

If not I find it hard to justify having him over Rogerson and even Randall.

Tzanev may stay with Newport County, esp if they play through the window.
They lost on the weekend, and seems the no 2 is breathing down his neck.

If he does stay in Wales, no 3 choice could be any of Sail, Woud, Gray or Sims. Probably Sail.

If Wilkins or Dibley-Dias played on the weekend, they would be in the mix. Think Bazeley will be keen to look at both at some stage.

With Pjinaker out, can see Smith being retained as the 2nd LCB. I think Stanger is right footed. That will be Baze's agrument anyway.

Edit - take some of that back re Tzanev. Just seen a Niche Cache post where he made some very good saves on the weekend as Newport lost to Greimsby.

coochiee

Tzanev may stay with Newport County, esp if they play through the window.
They lost on the weekend, and seems the no 2 is breathing down his neck.

If he does stay in Wales, no 3 choice could be any of Sail, Woud, Gray or Sims. Probably Sail.

If Wilkins or Dibley-Dias played on the weekend, they would be in the mix. Think Bazeley will be keen to look at both at some stage.

With Pjinaker out, can see Smith being retained as the 2nd LCB. I think Stanger is right footed. That will be Baze's agrument anyway.

Edit - take some of that back re Tzanev. Just seen a Niche Cache post where he made some very good saves on the weekend as Newport lost to Greimsby.

There must be some context and reasoning to it, as much as Dibley-Dias, with Leuluai, has the best education in football for a kiwi, he had 2 or 3 days in camp in October 2023 before being injured, and has said he is prioritizing getting into first team club football when directly asked about international future. A rolled ankle kept him out of the last game, so he might have played no much more than 45mins in 3ish weeks. This is League 2 he's trying to break into, although technically class given his environment, League 1 is said on football terms to be on par with the A League. All seems pretty complex and likely a post 2026 WC consideration, amongst the dream of playing for Portugal, Brazil or even England.

All you would need is a couple of injuries to Bell, Stamenic, Rufer & Thomas and Dibley-Dias would be in serious WC contention. Howieson also on the fringes.

But agree MD-D now needs to put in a good season of L2 football. It's really just been youth football up to now for him.

To be around an EPL club like Fulham for as long as he has, he must have some class. But surely given he's down in the English 4th tier at nearly age 22, Brazil, England & Portugal ain't realistic for him. He's also seeing a real cluster now of young AWs in the L1 and Championship, so knows playing international football for NZ ain't that bad at all. 

Sounds like Tommy Smith will be picked. But maybe some of the L1/L2 guys not.
Roux to come back in for an injured Tuiloma, with Callan Elliott not doing enough in June?


Players needing to find their feet in new environments is one reason why the All Whites squad to be named on Tuesday for next month’s Soccer Ashes could be missing several regulars.

Forward Ben Waine, midfielder Matt Garbett and goalkeeper Nik Tzanev have all landed in English League One and Two, where international windows aren’t observed and clubs need to have three away on national team duty to have fixtures postponed.

Bazeley has already reaped rewards from focusing on the bigger picture with centre back Finn Surman, who missed All Whites duty last October and in March to bed in at Portland Timbers, then turned his club form into a coming-of-age outing against Ivory Coast two months ago.

Another factor in Tuesday’s squad naming will be injuries, with left back Liberato Cacace and versatile defender Bill Tuiloma both missing their clubs’ matches at the weekend.

Cacace’s absence was said to be due to hamstring tightness, so he could be okay to travel in two weeks’ time, but Tuiloma’s was said to be due to a hamstring strain, so he looks to be in doubt, which would be a shame given his resurgence at club level of late.

Nando Pijnaker also looks unlikely to feature, as he is sidelined with an ankle injury, while it’s not clear where Alex Rufer is at with regard to match fitness, as he hasn’t featured in either of the Wellington Phoenix’s Australia Cup matches.

Right back Tim Payne is set to return after missing June’s matches while awaiting the birth of his first child, while striker Max Mata is definitely out injured and will have to continue to wait for his first call-up since June last year.

Others eyeing potential returns will be forwards Jesse Randall and Logan Rogerson, midfielder Cam Howieson, right back Storm Roux, and goalkeepers Oli Sail and Michael Woud.

If a new centre back is needed, Oly White George Stanger, who has moved to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premier League this season, would be the leading contender, with Isaac Hughes at the Phoenix another option.

Lachlan Bayliss would be the leading uncapped contender in midfield, while his Newcastle Jets team-mate Ben Gibson could be a potential new face up front.

AucklandPhoenix

Is Gibson actually in the starting team for Newcastle? 

If not I find it hard to justify having him over Rogerson and even Randall.

Started and scored in both of their Aus Cup games. 2 goals and 1 assist in 2 games.

He’s an out and out CF as well, whilst Rogerson and Randall are both wide players - Randall less so but still not a striker.

coochiee

Sounds like Tommy Smith will be picked. But maybe some of the L1/L2 guys not.
Roux to come back in for an injured Tuiloma, with Callan Elliott not doing enough in June?


Players needing to find their feet in new environments is one reason why the All Whites squad to be named on Tuesday for next month’s Soccer Ashes could be missing several regulars.

Forward Ben Waine, midfielder Matt Garbett and goalkeeper Nik Tzanev have all landed in English League One and Two, where international windows aren’t observed and clubs need to have three away on national team duty to have fixtures postponed.

Bazeley has already reaped rewards from focusing on the bigger picture with centre back Finn Surman, who missed All Whites duty last October and in March to bed in at Portland Timbers, then turned his club form into a coming-of-age outing against Ivory Coast two months ago.

Another factor in Tuesday’s squad naming will be injuries, with left back Liberato Cacace and versatile defender Bill Tuiloma both missing their clubs’ matches at the weekend.

Cacace’s absence was said to be due to hamstring tightness, so he could be okay to travel in two weeks’ time, but Tuiloma’s was said to be due to a hamstring strain, so he looks to be in doubt, which would be a shame given his resurgence at club level of late.

Nando Pijnaker also looks unlikely to feature, as he is sidelined with an ankle injury, while it’s not clear where Alex Rufer is at with regard to match fitness, as he hasn’t featured in either of the Wellington Phoenix’s Australia Cup matches.

Right back Tim Payne is set to return after missing June’s matches while awaiting the birth of his first child, while striker Max Mata is definitely out injured and will have to continue to wait for his first call-up since June last year.

Others eyeing potential returns will be forwards Jesse Randall and Logan Rogerson, midfielder Cam Howieson, right back Storm Roux, and goalkeepers Oli Sail and Michael Woud.

If a new centre back is needed, Oly White George Stanger, who has moved to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premier League this season, would be the leading contender, with Isaac Hughes at the Phoenix another option.

Lachlan Bayliss would be the leading uncapped contender in midfield, while his Newcastle Jets team-mate Ben Gibson could be a potential new face up front.

Edit: Callan wouldn't be returning as he was in the last squad. Hard to know who would get the nod out of him and Roux.

Lots of names to cover off. Sub editor invoice enroute to Stuff. 

But personally I think Roux pips Elliott, if Tuiloma is not fit.
Would more back the experienced Roux to contain Martin Boyle, or whoever plays on the Socceroo's left, if Payne had to go off.

I don't want to see Garbett or Waine in the squad. They need to focus on getting into their respective club teams.

Would be cool to see any of Roux, Stanger, Hughes, Gibson, Rogerson. I don't think players like Bayliss, Randall, Howieson & Gillion have done enough to merit a place in this particular window's squad, personally. And I think Smith's time is up and Baze needs to make that call now. 

Yipe mostly agree with that, though I would like to see Garbett with the AWs. Even though he hasn't played for a long time I still think he could create something against the Socceroos off the pine. Unfortunately with Waineo don't have that same belief.

In addition to Garbs, there are both Northern Ireland senior and U21 internationals, at Peterborough. So they may manage to get any L1 games in the Sept window postponed.

no way Tommy Smith gets a call up..

Tbf haven’t seen Gibson play, but Randall has scored 3 from 2 cup games. Can’t be much to choose between them. And the time I saw him impress in a white shirt was OFC qualifying. Outshone a few others.

Randall also had 3 goals at the end of the A league season. He’s not a CF you say, but had been doing a job there for the Premiers. 

Gibson might be amazing (and I’ll be googling highlights) but he can’t be much better than the homegrown, if at all. 

McCowatt picked up another assist yesterday, but hopefully we can find a way to use him which finds those goals and assists for the All Whites. 

Our defensive stocks seem high currently, anti-jinx, fingers-crossed and double crossed, but our attack is somewhat moribund in terms of getting good chances and shooting opportunities. 

Shaking it up and making sure everyone outside of Woodsy knows there are no favourites or sacred cows without good performances would be one way to go! Tbf there’s a fair few starting seasons too, but playing time and results are needed. No spots for reputations.

And if Tommy’s a coach or a fluffer or whatever, call him that…don’t pick him ahead of Stanger or Bindon or Surman or Boxy…perhaps even ahead of Nando…

imanixsupporter

I don't want to see Garbett or Waine in the squad. They need to focus on getting into their respective club teams.

Would be cool to see any of Roux, Stanger, Hughes, Gibson, Rogerson. I don't think players like Bayliss, Randall, Howieson & Gillion have done enough to merit a place in this particular window's squad, personally. And I think Smith's time is up and Baze needs to make that call now. 

8/10s this…

Elliott did very well last week for Auckland, 3 long throws for 3 goals. Might be worth a look.

Payne still very rusty.

Baze didn't trust Elliott to start him in June. Going with makeshift options Tuiloma and then Bindon.

Payne will yes be rusty, and likely still a way off 90 mins up & down the right flank at international level. See Roux as more defensively sound than Elliott. Socceroos will pose the same (maybe more so) defensive challenges as Ivory Coast & Ukraine.

Boxall (right touchline) and FDV (left) offer the long throw threats. I'd be surprised if Callan E makes the squad.

Injury updates:
Libby tight hamstring didn't play
Big Bill grade 2b hamstring strain, out for "a few weeks"

FDV the obvious for the left. Tuiloma used recently as a right back for club and country (I think)

coochiee

Yipe mostly agree with that, though I would like to see Garbett with the AWs. Even though he hasn't played for a long time I still think he could create something against the Socceroos off the pine. Unfortunately with Waineo don't have that same belief.

In addition to Garbs, there are both Northern Ireland senior and U21 internationals, at Peterborough. So they may manage to get any L1 games in the Sept window postponed.

Do you know if it happens much? And if the club would prefer it or not? I could see that they'd prefer to get through the games and hopefully points on the table looking better than games in hand and squeezing them in later in a season. Lower league fixtures can be brutal and often 46 League Games before up so they're already doing Sat/Tue/Sat 

Ryan Thomas is back!

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YellowAndBlack

Ryan Thomas is back!

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The most exciting inclusion in an All Whites squad in years.. Absolutely frothing to see him in a midfield with Stamenic and Bell!

Yep, great to have Thomas back and I just hope we see those three operating and starting in both games.

Surprised to see McGarry in there however. Coach doesn’t rate Stanger or wants him to settle with his new club? 

Quite clear he doesn’t rate Hughes. 

How many tickets have we sold for Mt Smart game? 

So whose missed out... given there are a few inclusions that may have been unexpected (Thomas, Elliott, McGarry, Rogerson, Randall)

Tuiloma and Smith out - who else am I missing?

AucklandPhoenix

Yep, great to have Thomas back and I just hope we see those three operating and starting in both games.

Surprised to see McGarry in there however. Coach doesn’t rate Stanger or wants him to settle with his new club? 

 McGarry, De Vries and Cacace is three left backs for two games too - does that mean one of the three is planned as a winger? Arguably any of the three could fit that role.

Wonder if it’s 3 named due to injury cloud over Libby?

carlind

AucklandPhoenix

Yep, great to have Thomas back and I just hope we see those three operating and starting in both games.

Surprised to see McGarry in there however. Coach doesn’t rate Stanger or wants him to settle with his new club? 

 McGarry, De Vries and Cacace is three left backs for two games too - does that mean one of the three is planned as a winger? Arguably any of the three could fit that role.