Tall Blacks face tall order versus Lebanon

THE Tall Blacks will have to take a big step up tonight when they take on Lebanon in Rotorua in a World Cup qualifying match.

The Tall Blacks had a convincing 10766 win over Syria in Beirut early on Friday morning [NZ time] but Lebanon defeated China in overtime, showing it will be a tough opponent for the home team.

Both teams have six wins, one loss records, so there is plenty to play for tonight.

Tall Blacks head coach Paul Henare said it will be a tough battle tonight.

‘‘Lebanon are a proven international team with a great pedigree and proud record, they will want to continue their winning streak and will be coming to Rotorua full of intent and confident of a result,’’ he said.

‘‘We, too, are ready — the honour of pulling on the black singlet is never greater than at home . . . the boys have put so much effort into getting us to where we are now but know [we’ve] achieved nothing yet.’’

‘‘This game is truly global and takes us all around the world, into some places that most New Zealanders never contemplate travelling to, let alone our other national sports teams. Whether throughout Asia, the Middle East or on tours and camps in Europe, we face constant challenges with travel, different language and cultures and passionate and oneeyed home crowds, and we love it.’’

The entire roster is available for selection, with everyone reporting fit and ready after the 38hour journey back from Beirut. The trip concluded at 3am yesterday morning, a journey that included a wellplanned overnight stay in Singapore, with two good meals and six hours’ sleep helping the players readjust to the time zone back home and recovering from the game against Syria.