Soccer: Pritchett, Banks to debut against Malaysia

James Pritchett and Campbell Banks will make their international debuts for New Zealand against Malaysia at North Harbour Stadium tonight but coach Ricki Herbert insists he is not into a rotation policy.

Pritchett comes in for Jeremy Christie at fullback while Banks gets his first start up front in the absence of veteran Vaughan Coveny.

"Their selections are well-merited but at the same time it is no reflection on how Christie or any of the others played in the first test in Christchurch," said Herbert.

"As coaches, we want to look at as many players as possible especially as we look forward to the matches against Chile in April."

Herbert goes into tonight's game intent on a series win but retains respect for the Malaysians who battled resolutely in holding the All Whites to just one late goal in the series opener.

"Obviously, it is a series we want to win," said Herbert. "If we have a higher conversion rate than we had on Sunday, that should not be a problem."

With Coveny back in Australia, the strike-force will be led by Banks and Shane Smeltz with Adrian Webster, if cleared to play, providing the attacking midfield support.

Webster was down with a viral infection yesterday and a decision on whether he will start will be made today.

If he is out, Jarrod Smith could join Banks and Pritchett in winning his first cap.

Herbert would not be drawn on that, saying Andy Barron, who made a good fist of his first international in Christchurch, would also be in contention especially given the role he can play in set pieces.

Working under assistant coaches Brian Turner and Stu Jacobs, yesterday's session concentrated on set play with Leo Bertos, in Webster's absence, taking the key delivery role.

Herbert said he may well go to his bench more tonight after using just three substitutes in the first test.

"We are keen to have another look at Jeremy Brockie and, if he doesn't start, Jarrod Smith," said Herbert. "It is important we have a look at as many players as we can."

There were some encouraging efforts in the series opener with Bertos and Steven Old showing, despite their relative inexperience at this level, they have the prospects of a long international career.

Others, including Brockie, Jeff Fleming and goalkeeper Glen Moss - all on debut - also did well enough to suggest they deserve further exposure at this level.

Physically they were not overly challenged by the Malaysians but were kept honest by the visitors' pace and technical ability.

It is all part of the mix Herbert and the selection team will consider in their deliberations.

Herbert said he expected to name his squad for Chile - he is looking to take 20 players - in early April by which time the availability of players in Europe and the US will be clearer.

* NZ V Malaysia, North Harbour Stadium, 7.35 tonight. Referee: Neil Fox

* All Whites: Glen Moss, James Pritchett, Danny Hay (c), Steven Old, Noah Hickey, Tim Brown, Jeff Fleming, Leo Bertos, Adrian Webster, Shane Smeltz, Campbell Banks. Substitutes: Ross Nicholson, Jeremy Christie, Cole Tinkler, Craig Wylie, Jarrod Smith, Andy Boyens, Andy Barron, Brent Fisher, Jeremy Brockie.