Ricki Herbert has named his New Zealand ‘A’ squad to take on the Wellington Phoenix at Rotorua International Stadium on Sunday.
Ricki Herbert has named his New Zealand ‘A- squad to take on the Wellington Phoenix at Rotorua International Stadium on Sunday.
Glen Moss, Andrew Durante, Jeremy Brockie, and Leo Bertos have been named to face their current club, while fellow established internationals Ivan Vicelich and Tony Lochhead are joined by several players looking to catch Herbert-s eye with the FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil Playoff in mind.
Aaron Clapham and Jake Butler will again be given another chance to impress after their appearances in the OSN Cup 2013, Jason Hicks will be hoping to make his New Zealand ‘A- debut and Cole Peverley will have another chance at international level after his last appearance in 2008 and just missing out on the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.
“It-s an opportunity for those players based in New Zealand, and for those players who are on the verge of the squad, such as Aaron Clapham, Jake Butler and Cole Peverley,” said Herbert.
“This game will be more about looking at individual players. It gives some players an opportunity to stamp their mark.”
Young All Whites Adam Mitchell, Matthew Ridenton and Stuart Holthusen will be given the chance to join up with the senior national team and Herbert believes it will be valuable experience for them before they head off for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 UAE.
“The young players are off to the World Cup soon and I think it will be a great experience for them to be part of the squad and to see what we-re trying to do.”
The game will see two of the most experienced A-League coaches face each other and Ricki Herbert admits it will be a bittersweet moment stepping out to face his old club but is one that will be great for the Rotorua public.
“I-m really looking forward to it. It-s a great opportunity for Ernie (Merrick, Wellington Phoenix Coach) moving into the season and looking into what he needs. They-re at full swing and they-ve been playing a lot of games so it will be a good game.
“It-s great for football to have New Zealand-s only professional side face New Zealand ‘A- and it-s fantastic for the Rotorua public. It will be exciting for them and I-m really glad that the game is in Rotorua.”
Tickets are available on sale now at www.ticketmaster.co.nz and start at $15 for an adults and $7.50 for a child.
Rotorua NZ has created two weekend packages around the game available from www.rotoruanz.com, including accommodation, match details and other activities.
Wellington Phoenix v New Zealand ‘A-
Rotorua International Stadium
Sunday 22 September, 2013
Kickoff: 2.30pm
New Zealand ‘A-: 1 – Glen MOSS; 2 – Aaron SCOTT; 3 – Tony LOCHHEAD; 4 – Andrew DURANTE; 5 – Adam MITCHELL; 6 – Cole PEVERLEY; 7 – Jason HICKS; 8 – Jeremy BROCKIE; 10 – Matthew RIDENTON; 11 – Leo BERTOS; 12 – Tamati WILLIAMS; 14 – Ian HOGG; 15 – Ivan VICELICH; 16 – Aaron CLAPHAM; 17 – Jake BUTLER; 18 – Stuart HOLTHUSEN
Ticket Information
General Admission
Adults – $15
Child – $7.50
Family (2 adults/2 child) – $35
www.ticketmaster.co.nz
