Sigmund on defensive over Bahrain slurs

All Whites defender Ben Sigmund has laughed off suggestions by Bahraini media that New Zealand are a "bunch of bruisers" and Westpac Stadium groundsmen will be soaking the pitch to give the home team an advantage.

Bahrain arrive in Wellington today having spent the week in Sydney preparing for Saturday's World Cup playoff, but their media have already fired some shots New Zealand's way. A report in the Gulf News newspaper claimed the sold-out match would be played in high winds, on a "boggy pitch" and against a "bunch of bruisers".

"Groundsmen are understood to be planning to further soak the pitch should it look like drying because they believe playing on a heavy surface will prove advantageous to the home side," the paper said.

"Bruisers, I've never heard that before," Sigmund said. "I like that actually, it's different. I suppose if they're going to sit there and talk about bruisers, we're just going to have to go out there and bruise them."

The All Whites have questioned whether Bahrain's decision to prepare in Sydney was the right one, given the climate difference.

But Bahrain coach Milan Macala said his team would not be affected by mind games or difficult conditions at Westpac Stadium, which will be packed with 35,500 people. "The players do not feel intimidated at all about the new environment or the weather. In fact, it is easier for footballers to play in the cold. They soon warm up!"

Confidence is high in Bahrain, where thousands are expected to watch the game on TV.

- © Fairfax NZ News