Soccer: Double duty for Phoenix defence

Wellington Phoenix v the Newcastle Jets. File photo / APN

The Phoenix will need total commitment to the cause to earn their first victory of the season when they play Perth today.

But you could forgive a couple of defenders for being a touch preoccupied throughout the 90 minutes in Christchurch.

Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund are two of a number of All Whites who will be whisked to the airport when the final whistle blows. The difference for the defensive duo, though, is that their worries will begin before the hectic travel plans are negotiated post-match.

No player, particularly a centre-back, can proceed into a game possessing a nagging thought to avoid injury, but New Zealand fans at least will wince every time Durante or Sigmund flies into a challenge.

After Winston Reid's withdrawal from the World Cup qualifiers against Mexico earlier in the week, the onus has gone on the pair to shut down an opposition attack for their club and emerge with a clean bill of health for their country.

If either man - and, for that matter, Glen Moss, Leo Bertos or Jeremy Brockie - find themselves in harm's way against the Glory, the All Whites' already-intimidating task at Estadio Azteca will grow even more daunting.

Both centre-backs could be required to line up alongside Ipswich's Tommy Smith in the heart of a three-man defence in the first leg of a tie which will determine New Zealand's World Cup fate.

However, neither man can afford to flinch for a Phoenix side without a win in four matches.

Sigmund and Durante - set to surpass Tony Lochhead's club record for appearances - won't be the only ones whose minds may wander during the match.

Their coach has cause to be bit preoccupied, too. Ernie Merrick was forced to miss training late this week after learning his family home in Melbourne had burned down.

The house had been rented out to tenants and Merrick was expected to return to Christchurch in time to take the reins, but it was an unnecessary distraction for a man still searching for a maiden victory at the club.

Perth may be ideal opposition to end that search, considering the Phoenix emerged with two wins and a draw from three meetings between the teams last season.

Shane Smeltz will again be the dangerman, though the All Whites striker could also play with caution considering he only recently returned from injury.APNZ