All Whites striker Chris Wood believes they have the side that can cause an upset and beat Australia in their friendly in Brisbane tonight.
Chris Wood at Suncorp Stadium
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It’s the first game between the two sides for 11 years.
This match and the return game in Auckland on Sunday were arranged to mark the 100-year anniversary of the first international between New Zealand and Australia.
The match at Eden Park will be the All Whites first game at home in five years.
Woods feels what they managed to develop during their World Cup qualifying campaign will make them competitive.
“We’re here to win the game and do extremely well both home and away and we think we’ve got the side capable of doing so.
“We know Aussie are no mugs, they’re a good side, they’re in the World Cup for a reason and they’ve done extremely well.
“However we’ve come here to cause an upset and win.”
The number of games between the two nations dropped significantly when Australia decided to leave Oceania and join the Asian Confederation in 2006.
Wood last play Australia in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup finals (a 2-1 loss) and says it’s been far too long between games.
Chris Wood playing for the All Whites against Australia at the MCG in 2010.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
“I’m thinking every four years there should be a home and away competition no matter what.
“It’s been way too long since we’ve played Aussie and it needs to be a regular thing definitely.”
Coach Danny Hay admits he’ll closely monitor his players with many of them having played big minutes for their clubs at the weekend and had to travel down under.
New Zealand is without a number of players through injury including Ryan Thomas, Sapreet Singh and Tommy Smith, while Kosta Barbarouses is unavailable because of suspension.
These games will be the last for skipper Wilnston Reid who announced last week his international retirement.
The All Whites last victory over the Socceroos was a 1-0 win in the Oceania Nations Cup final in Auckland in 2002 when Ryan Nelson scored the winner late in the game.
Overall in the 64 games played between the two sides, Australia has won 40, New Zealand 13 and there have been 11 draws.
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