Nelsen Leading on 2 Fronts

go on Ryan! This would be a big boost to Rovers as well as New Zealand!!!

On ya, Sasman, and Mikey for your comment. Easy 3 points for who? I watched the first game in Manama the other week - possibly the worst game of football I've ever seen - NZ dominated the first 20 mins and looked pretty good, then ran out of steam in the 35 deg heat, allowing Bahrain to take the initiative - they did, but it was so pedestrian it was yawn inducing. Miskicks, airshots, missed certain goals, etc. So anyway, I'm hoping that a roaring southerly straight off the antarctic comes sweeping through Wellington on the night, freezing the balls off brass monkeys and Bahrainis alike. Just a pity it's being played in late spring rather than the depths of winter. No matter, fingers crossed we will see NZ play Oz in the world cup finals...Easy 3 points!

When is this game? I wouldn't mind tuning in... What are NZ realistic chances? I know Nelson will do his bit down back, the keeper Moss hasn't been playing too well and up front they have Smeltz... but thats about all I know about NZ. Fill us in Kiwi!!

Um, yeah, our chances are pretty good - though I'm pretty cautious about it. There's no over-confidence in our squad which is a good thing. We look to have a pretty balanced squad, nice blend of youth and experience, with some talented youngsters coming through. Keeper should be Paston who has missed the last 3 A league games through injury - he played a blinder in Bahrain, but should be fit. Reports say we're playing a 3-4-3 formation, as we did in the first leg. Strikers Smeltz and the tall Falloon look to have pretty good potential. Honestly we were outplayed by a more skillful side in Manama, but I think the heat had a lot to do with it as we dominated possession for the first 20 mins or so. We can expect a much better performance in Wellington, which a number of our players call home, so they know the ground inside out. Simon Elliot, who played for Fulham a few seasons back is our only injury doubt, but he will be replaced by Michael McGlinchy, a former Scotland youth player, who looks very good. Home advantage will be huge, and if the Kiwis can get an early goal I think with the immense pressure Bahrain are under to win, they might fold. Their temperament looks a bit fragile - they've labelled NZ "bruisers" after the first leg - If you watch the game, look out for several of the Bahrain players to go down in the tackle as if they've been shot in the head - was a bit farcical in Manama I thought. Game is on at 8pm Saturday 14th, NZ time, so, in Eastern Oz 5 pm, in the ME 11 am and UK, 7am I suppose? Thanks to all for your support.

haha cheers mate nice work. good luck tonight- hope we both get away with a win