I feel like NZF are probably going to be quite frustrated with this whole Nations Cup endeavour.
We lost out on at least 20% of the FIFA ranking points on offer when New Caledonia dropped out, and the other OFC nations are no match for what is effectively a second string All Whites side, even with the favourable Islands conditions.
I think NZF's initial instinct to skip the Nations Cup to instead play friendlies against more challenging sides was probably the right one. In fact, what might have been best would have been to send a completely u23 side, with maybe one or two first teamers like Cacace, Payne and Rufer so as to not be completely disrespectful like Newcastle were vs the All Stars, AND have the All Whites play some friendlies too.
We lost out on at least 20% of the FIFA ranking points on offer when New Caledonia dropped out, and the other OFC nations are no match for what is effectively a second string All Whites side, even with the favourable Islands conditions.
I think NZF's initial instinct to skip the Nations Cup to instead play friendlies against more challenging sides was probably the right one. In fact, what might have been best would have been to send a completely u23 side, with maybe one or two first teamers like Cacace, Payne and Rufer so as to not be completely disrespectful like Newcastle were vs the All Stars, AND have the All Whites play some friendlies too.