KEY POINTS:
Rest and rotation are not part of Ricki Herbert's vocabulary.
Even with the All Whites' place in next year's Confederations Cup and the next phase in World Cup qualifying cemented with the 3-1 win over New Caledonia four days ago, there could have been temptations to make changes
for tonight's return at North Harbour Stadium.
Not so.
Herbert has made just three switches in putting out what might be seen as a stronger starting XI for what is now the first step towards winning a World Cup start.
In a straight swap, Mark Paston returns to play his 17th game (15th A international) in goal with Glen Moss headed to the bench.
After missing the Noumea game through suspension, Tim Brown, who led the team to victory in the three opening Oceania Nations Cup outings, returns to midfield in place of Jeremy Brockie who came in as a late replacement for injured Leo Bertos on Saturday.
Chris James, on as a late substitute in the first leg, comes in for Allan Pearce.
Herbert, determined tonight's game should be a fitting tribute to the memory of Charlie Dempsey, is giving more game time to players the Auckland public want to see.
"It is a chance for people to see players like Ryan Nelsen, Simon Elliott and Chris James first hand," said Herbert. "We also know we will now not be bringing players back from Europe or America for the game against Fiji in November.
"In that game players like Jeremy Brockie and Allan Pearce will get their chance and be seen as senior members of the squad.
"Just because we have qualified I don't see the game as anything different. Also, it is the only realistic chance for us to have a look at various combinations."
In naming James up front with Shane Smeltz and Jarrod Smith, Herbert has suggested he may go 4-3-3 rather than the more accepted 4-4-2 line-ups of recent times.
Smeltz will welcome that support as he seeks to equal Keith Nelson's record of scoring in six successive internationals. In six outings in 1977-78, Nelson scored 10 goals.
Herbert said he again had high expectations but was not losing sight of how hard it could be playing the island nations away.
New Zealand
Mark Paston, David Mulligan, Ryan Nelsen (c), Ben Sigmund, Tony Lochhead, Jeremy Christie, Tim Brown, Simon Elliott, Chris James, Duncan Oughton, Shane Smeltz. Substitutes, Glen Moss, Andy Boyens, Steven Old, Leo Bertos, Allan Pearce, Jeremy Brockie, Jarrod Smith.
New Caledonia (from):
Jean Marc Ounemoa (g/k), Jonathan Kakou, Michel Hmae, Jean-Patrick Wakanumune, Bertrand Kkai, Georges Wadrenges, Marius Mapou, Pierre Wajoka, Patrick Diake, Ramon Osamali, Poulidor Toto, Luther Wahnyamalla, Loic Houlala, Nol Kaudre, Cedric Nonmeu, Andr Sinedo, Allan Hnautra, Michel Hne (g/k).
