It's always hard having to tell two players they're not going to represent New Zealand at a pinnacle event, but that's part of a coach's job.

It's not going to be easy every day, but I'm going to work hard, and our players are going to work hard, ... I look forward to this as a new chapter in my life, and I can't wait to get started.

I'm not upset about it, not disappointed about it. I think they need that. I really do, because these players deserve better.

There are good players, there are great players, and there are those few at the pinnacle - the Peles, Cruyffs and Maradonas.

I did realize how hard it was. I think coaches realize it a little bit sooner than players do. I had hoped that we would have been able to do it a little sooner than we have done it, but you know things happen along the way.

We want to get players into the Air New Zealand NPC as soon as possible. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in the best interest of the individual.