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Sport Nation
All Whites vs Australia: New Zealand's chance to make statement at Mt Smart
Reuben Wickstead • September 9th, 2025 3:48 pm
Darren Bazeley & Ryan Thomas | Photo: Photosport
The All Whites face off against their trans-Tasman rivals in the return leg of the Soccer Ashes at Mt. Smart Stadium on Tuesday night.
A late goal off the bench from debutant Max Balard saw the Aussies take a 1-0 lead in the series opener in Canberra on Friday.
The Kiwi side were praised for their front-footed play on the night, dominating much of the proceedings but unable to find a way past Paul Izzo between the sticks.
Former All Whites head coach Ricki Herbert says overcoming the deficit presents a great opportunity to make a statement ahead of the All Whites’ World Cup return in 2026.
Herbert’s own All Whites side suffered a similarly dramatic 2-1 loss to the Aussies in the build up to their famous World Cup run in 2010.
“We took that heavily on the chin. We just didn’t want a situation like that to happen again.” he told Riccardo Ball on Sport Nation Mornings.
Herbert says the match is a chance to seize control of the narrative.
“Do it really well in front of our home crowd and make a statement and an intent about us heading to the World Cup in 2026.”
Tune into Sport Nation from 6pm, Tuesday for live, free-to-air coverage of New Zealand vs Australia. Find your local frequency here or download the Sport Nation app.
Listen to the full interview below:
