Howieson's definitely surprising, but with Whyte gone he's well and truly the best midfielder in New Zealand. More talented than Rufer, but hasn't played at a high standard for years - I'd like to hear Hay's thinking behind leaving Rufer and Whyte out
CH does have a lot of experience incl playing OFC teams before for the AWs. The early AWs squad for PNG and Fiji will be a bit light on experience, so CH I think is a pretty smart selection as long as he’s match fit ready to go.
He’ll be all about slowing the game down if needed, dominating possession, keeping structure and using his experience. Preventing Island teams doing dangerous transition football
He’s good enough to be playing in the A League, just doesn’t want to live in Welly apparently