To see the Kiwis train for tonight's match...

Coach Ricki Herbert said unheralded duo Winston Reid and Aaron Clapham could make their debuts, while English Premier League-bound teenager Chris Wood could also see game time.

While it was a generation of experienced hands, led by captain Ryan Nelsen and including Ivan Vicelich, Ben Sigmund, Tim Brown and Simon Elliott, which got New Zealand to the World Cup, the All Whites' X-factor in South Africa is likely to come from one or more of their emerging stars.

Reid, who plays in Denmark, only committed himself to New Zealand in March and has been rewarded with a spot in the World Cup squad at just 21, while Clapham was plucked from club football in New Zealand to also make the squad.

Herbert indicated that the two players could make their debuts against the Socceroos as he looks to test out his options ahead of the World Cup opener against Slovakia in Rustenburg on June 15.

"We've got some options, we've brought some new players into the side, who haven't played for the team yet. At some stage they will, whether that's tomorrow night or not remains to be seen," he said.

"I think there's definitely some players I'd like to have a look at. If they don't start, they'll play some part in the fixture."

Wood is the other player who could be used to surprise Australia, which is 58 places ahead of the All Whites in the FIFA World rankings. The West Bromwich Albion striker has already represented his club in the English Premier League and is considered the best attacking talent to emerge from New Zealand in a generation.

Wood may have to bide his time, with Herbert set to start with Shane Smeltz, Rory Fallon and Chris Killen, but should come off the bench at some stage.

However, Herbert doesn't believe the addition of these players will add to the surprise factor in the first trans-Tasman clash in nearly five years.

"No doubt they've done their homework and hopefully we've done ours. At that level, it's kind of one the night. Whether Pim's selected his main squad, best team, for us isn't important. I just think it will be a great occasion. Two teams that are very proud in sporting codes and I'm just pleased that we've got football back on that agenda," he said.

To see the Kiwis train for tonight's match...