The trans-Tasman clash follows Thursday evening’s behind-closed-doors international and will be just the third Football Ferns match outside of FIFA World Cups or Olympic Games screened on New Zealand television. The other friendlies shown on New Zealand television screens were both against the USA, in 1998 and 2007.
The tour, which also includes a match against China in Jinan, is the last chance for players to claim places in the 21-strong squad to compete at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
New Zealand face Japan (June 27), England (July 1) and Mexico (July 5) in Group B while Australia, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2007 edition, have drawn Brazil, Norway and Equatorial Guinea in Group D.
“It’s part of the excitement that’s starting to build in football circles,” New Zealand Football Chief Executive Grant McKavanagh says.
“We’ve got a strong squad and we’re pleased the New Zealand public can share in the team’s build up to Germany.”
The first trans-Tasman clash kicks off on Thursday at 4.30pm NZT.
Australia and China Tour
New Zealand v Australia
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, Australia
Thursday May 12, 2.30pm (4.30pm NZT)
New Zealand v Australia
Bluetongue Stadium, Gosford, Australia
Sunday May 15, 3pm (5pm NZT)
Coverage on Sky Sport 3 from 8.30pm
New Zealand v China
Jinan, China
Wednesday May 18, 3.30pm (7.30pm NZT)
FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011
New Zealand v Japan
Bochum, Germany
Monday June 27, 3pm (1am June 28 NZT)
Live on Sky Sport
New Zealand v England
Dresden, Germany
Monday July 1, 6.15pm (4.15am July 2 NZT)
Live on Sky Sport
New Zealand v Mexico
Sinsheim, Germany
Monday July 5, 6.15pm (4.15am July 6 NZT)
Live on Sky Sport
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz