Big-name trio must go for Glory

OPINION: The Phoenix's inability to find points away from the Ring of Fire is of massive concern if they are to be genuine title contenders this season.

So what is the winning formula?

It's a question which has haunted New Zealand professional sporting franchises across all codes – we just don't seem to travel well across the Tasman.

It must be hugely frustrating for Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert, who has to watch his side dismantle the Central Coast at home and, just days later, look a shadow of themselves in Brisbane against the Roar.

I have no doubt the team prepares for away games in exactly the same way as when they play in Wellington. Therefore, outside of obvious home advantage, there has to be some consideration of travel as a factor for below-par performances.

And it doesn't get much worse than the seven-plus hour flight to Perth the players have had to endure ahead of today's game against the Glory.

The simple reality is no-quick fix exists. Mental toughness is an over-used term in sport but I think there is some basis for its use here.

In Perth, the Phoenix are about to run into an unbeaten team high on adrenaline and ready to impress in front of a partisan crowd.

With the signing of ex-Liverpool `God' Robbie Fowler, the Glory fans have come back to the stands in droves, reminiscent of the former NSL days, when they were literally the glory side of the league.

Making things even more difficult is that it will probably be stinking hot. Combine that with the travel and it's a tough ask tonight – Ricki needs his big-game players to step up.

He will ask dependable grafters like Vince Lia, Andrew Durante and Ben Sigmund to be the pillars from which a performance is built.

But it's the likes of Leo Bertos, Chris Greenacre and particularly Paul Ifill who Herbert needs some magic from. It's this trio who need to front up away from home.

- © Fairfax NZ News