2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA ™ – NZ AND FIJI LOOK TO THE FUTURE

AUCKLAND – New Zealand and Fiji have both targeted Wednesday’s 2010 FIFA World Cup™South Africa qualifier in Lautoka as a match to build for the future.

With New Zealand already crowned Oceania Nations Cup champions and the Oceania representative in the World Cup play-off with the fifth-best Asian qualifier, there is nothing on the line and both coaches have taken advantage of the opportunity naming young squads with many players set to make their international debuts.

"We have deliberately gone for a young side, said Herbert. There are two big events next year, the FIFA Confederations Cup and the home and away World Cup qualifiers, and this is the chance for some of these players to put their hands up."

The All Whites strike force does not boast a single international cap between them with Wellington Phoenix duo Costa Barbarouses and Greg Draper named alongside Kristiansund Ballklubb’s Kris Bright.

Other All Whites set to make their debut include NZ Olympic Captain Aaron Scott, goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley and midfielder Cole Peverley.

"We will get this game ticked off and then continue planning for 2009," said Herbert. "This team was selected on the basis of the financial constraints we were well aware of. It is the chance for players who have played at U-20 and U-23 level to step up."

New Zealand will fly out on Tuesday and will not train in Fiji, but have a walk over Churchill Park on their way to the hotel from the airport.

Fijian Coach Carlos Buzzetti said his side is a blend of youth and experience and is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

“We have included a mix of experience and youth in our squad as we prepare for the future, but it is still a very competitive Fiji team,” he said.

“It gives us a great opportunity to see how some of the young players have developed and whether they can perform at international level.

“It is important to build the players confidence for the future. We want to make sure we finish the campaign on a high note and do the country proud.

“We have lots of good players coming up from the U-17’s and U-20’s so the future looks very bright.”

Fiji will have the services of Auckland City defender Salesh Kumar who will fly out from New Zealand to join up with his side tomorrow and Waitakere United Striker Roy Krishna who is already in the country.

Osea Vakatalesau and Peni Finau will be familiar to the players from the NZFC having represented Youngheart Manawatu in last year’s competition.

“New Zealand still have a lot of experience in their squad and will be very organised tactically and very fit,” Buzzetti said.

“For us though we will just concentrate on our own game and I am confident they can do the job.

“Lautoka always gets a good crowd along to games and we are hoping for a nice night so that people will come out after work to catch the 6pm kickoff.”

Ahead of the original fixture in October last year Fijian goalkeeper Simione Tamanisau was denied a New Zealand entry visa because of a relation’s alleged military connections. The two countries became embroiled in a political debate prompting FIFA to step in at the eleventh hour to postpone and move the fixture from Auckland to Lautoka on Wednesday.

New Zealand defeated Fiji 2-0 when the two sides last met in October 2007, with goals to Ivan Vicelich and Shane Smeltz securing the win.

OFC will be providing live text updates from just before kickoff at www.oceaniafootball.com     

2008 Oceania Nations Cup / 2010 FIFA World Cup™- South Africa Qualifying

November 19, 2008

Kick off 18H00 Local time (19H00 NZT)

New Zealand (from): 1. Glen Moss (GK), 2. David Mulligan, 3. Aaron Scott, 4. Jeremy Christie, 5. Ben Sigmund, 6. Steven Old, 7. Leo Bertos, 8. Cole Peverley, 9. Jeremy Brockie, 10. Greg Draper, 11. Allan Pearce, 12. Kris Bright, 13. Jeff Campbell, 14. James Pritchett, 15. Costa Barbarouses, 18.Jacob Spoonley (GK)

Fiji (from): Simione Tamanisau, Filimone Bolatawa, Benaminio Mateinaqara, Alvin Singh, Malakai Keinahewe, Ilaitia Nukurawa, Peni Finau, Malakai Waqa, Salesh Kumar, Roy Krishna, Pita Bolaitoga, Maciu Dunadamu, Jone Vono Junior, Osea Vakatalesau, Tuimasi Manuca, Malakai Tiwa, Rajneel Chand, Josaia Bukalidi, Niumaia Tagi, Valerio Nawatu, Esava Naqeleca, Shameel Rao, Samuela Vula.