NEW Zealand's Olympic teams are determined to enjoy the bragging rights this weekend as both the men and women's sides prepare for battle against Australia.
To see the Olyroos training at North Sydney Oval...
Stu Jacobs brings his Beijing-bound under 23 side to North Sydney Oval to face the Olyroos on Saturday (2pm) with the Football Ferns taking on the Matildas in the noon kick off at the same venue.
Jacobs' team will be looking to improve a record which shows Australia having won 38 of 62 previous encounters between the countries.
The coach told: nzsoccer.com: "These matches are all stepping stones for this team, culminating in that first game against China in Shenyang with Chris Killen, Simon Elliott and Ryan Nelsen (over-age players) on board and all the squad ready to peak," Jacobs said.
“The Olyroos aren’t the end of the road for us, just the beginning.”
New Zealand are expected to include former Wellington Phoenix duo Jacob Spoonley and Steven Old (pictured) in their squad.
The other trans-Tasman clash sees New Zealand's women looking to end a miserable recent run.
The Matildas may have failed to qualify for Beijing but they have enjoyed total dominance in this fixture in 17 matches since the Football Ferns notched a 2-0 victory in 1994.
Coach John Herdman said: "It’s certainly exciting, but it’s a double edged sword.
“We’re ultimately preparing for three key games at the Olympics, with tactical and personnel considerations being focussed on that event, but there’s plenty of excitement there about going into Australia and scalping them just before the Olympics.”
To see the Olyroos training at North Sydney Oval...
Stu Jacobs brings his Beijing-bound under 23 side to North Sydney Oval to face the Olyroos on Saturday (2pm) with the Football Ferns taking on the Matildas in the noon kick off at the same venue.
Jacobs' team will be looking to improve a record which shows Australia having won 38 of 62 previous encounters between the countries.
The coach told: nzsoccer.com: "These matches are all stepping stones for this team, culminating in that first game against China in Shenyang with Chris Killen, Simon Elliott and Ryan Nelsen (over-age players) on board and all the squad ready to peak," Jacobs said.
“The Olyroos aren’t the end of the road for us, just the beginning.”
New Zealand are expected to include former Wellington Phoenix duo Jacob Spoonley and Steven Old (pictured) in their squad.
The other trans-Tasman clash sees New Zealand's women looking to end a miserable recent run.
The Matildas may have failed to qualify for Beijing but they have enjoyed total dominance in this fixture in 17 matches since the Football Ferns notched a 2-0 victory in 1994.
Coach John Herdman said: "It’s certainly exciting, but it’s a double edged sword.
“We’re ultimately preparing for three key games at the Olympics, with tactical and personnel considerations being focussed on that event, but there’s plenty of excitement there about going into Australia and scalping them just before the Olympics.”
To see the Olyroos training at North Sydney Oval...
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