Senior players get behind interim coach Darren Bazeley ahead of China games

Senior All Whites squad members Chris Wood and Tommy Smith say interim head coach Darren Bazeley deserves his chance to show what he can do.

Ahead of their two-match series against China, 49-cap defender Smith told Newshub:

“Whether or not he then gets the top job is not down to us, but we’ll be doing all we can, as individuals in the team, to do as well as we can in these games, which gives him the best possible chance of putting his name forward, if that’s what he chooses to do.”

Star striker Wood said:

“He knows New Zealand football to a tee, he’s been with the age groups, and performed and produced in those competitions.

“I don’t see why he can’t step up, and use the knowledge that he has from those [experiences] and being an assistant manager to the All Whites to take them to the next level.”

Main photo: Darren Bazeley … coaching the national side on an interim basis while New Zealand Football seek full-time head coach to replace Danny Hay.

READ MORE: Chris Wood: ‘All Whites should train more often with the young players’ >>>>

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Fixtures

Game to be played on Thursday March 23, 2023

Gates open at 2.30pm

New Zealand U-22 v China PR
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 3.30pm (NZT)

All Whites v China PR
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 7pm (NZT)

Game to be played on Sunday March 26, 2023

New Zealand U-22 v China PR
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 12.30pm (NZT)

All Whites v China PR
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 4pm (NZT)

Tickets

Tickets are available from $20 to $80 (adult) and $10 to $40 (children aged 2-14).

National squads

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