All Whites opt to return to Wellington

Wellington will host a potential All Whites’ intercontinental playoff to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Should Anthony Hudson’s side qualify for the intercontinental playoff against the fifth-ranked South American side next year, the home leg will be staged Westpac Stadium in November 2017.

Wellington hosted the intercontinental playoff in November 2013 when the All Whites lost 4-2 to Mexico (9-3 on aggregate).

New Zealand Football (NZF) has also announced a potential Oceania playoff home tie would be played at Auckland’s QBE Stadium. Westpac Stadium will host the All Whites’ group match against Fiji on March 28.

NZF chief executive Andy Martin was pleased to have the home calendar locked in for the next 15 months in what will be an important time for the All Whites.

‘‘This is great news and we are looking forward to seeing all of New Zealand get behind the All Whites as we look to qualify for the World Cup in 2018,’’ Martin said.

All Whites striker Rory Fallon, who scored the famous goal at Westpac Stadium in 2009 to send the All Whites to the World Cup in 2010, could not wait to return to a happy hunting ground.

‘‘It’s a great place to be with a fantastic atmosphere.

‘‘Wellington really gets behind their footy, so I’m really happy to be playing there again.’’

The 34-year-old had vivid memories of scoring the decisive goal there against Bahrain in 2009. It was surreal. It was one of those moments which you dream about when you’re a kid and you keep pinching yourself that you’re there.

‘‘For me this will be my last shot at a World Cup before I hang up my boots, so it will be a very big moment walking out onto that pitch again.’’

Martin said choosing the venues was a tough decision.

There was considerable interest from stadiums around the country to host the OFC round three qualifiers and potential intercontinental playoff.

The All Whites tour North America next month, taking on Mexico in Nashville on October 8 and USA in Washington DC on October 11.