Wellington Phoenix midfielder Tim Brown wears the armband and leads an inexperienced All Whites side at Wrexham.

Andy Boyens will win his second cap - his debut lasted four minutes - and will partnered in central defence by Ben Sigmund.

Sigmund is also making his second international appearance after a seven-year absence when he came on as a late substitute against Oman.

Two English-based strikers - Fulham reserve Chris James and Shane Smeltz, who has been released by Conference side Halifax - are also in the starting line-up.

Coach Ricki Herbert told nzsoccer.com: "It's going to be a huge challenge. We're going to need a lot of patience and a lot of defensive discipline.

"We're probably three or four weeks away from naming our World Cup squad and after the Wales game decisions will be formed."