We constantly decry the lack of quality AWs games, but yes if a new coach is not in place for this Canada game, the whole exercise will look rather pointless.
I really hope it is being organised on the cheap. Sounds like is going to all be based at some local academy setup (good facilities), with maybe some affordable accommodation onsite. Short Easy Jet plane trips for the European based players.
Still location choice seems a bit odd. Two teams that would both have a large number of MLS players in their first choice squads, scheduling a game (somewhat meaningless friendly at that, so early in next qualifying cycle) in Europe - when MLS season has just started, and doesn't break for this March FIFA window.
The training camp and Canada game are scheduled 19-25th March. At the moment this will overlap a number of MLS games as below
24th March - New York RB v Minnesota (M Boxall)
24th March - Dallas v Portland (Gleeson & Tuiloma)
25th March - Vancouver (Marinovic & Bevan) v LA Galaxy
25th March - Colorado (Smith, Colvey & Wynne) v Sporting KC (Musa)
Six of the above nine players, were in AWs squad verus Peru. Eight (all except Gleeson) have played for AWs in last 12 months.
Yet as a guess at the moment, only Marinovic and Boxall would be first eleven/match day squad certainties at their MLS clubs, right now? That's a guess, having no idea what other players their clubs have signed in the off season (I think Vancouver signed a new keeper to replace Ousted - keep Marinovic honest?).
Point being many of MLS contingent could be reluctant to leave their clubs for a week, to basically shake the new coach's hand, and listen to an Andy Martin speech - whilst putting their short term future club playing prospects at risk. Time for the younger guys (Tuiloma, Colvey, Wynne etc to be a bit selfish). I hope the AWs hierachy are keeping in touch with the various MLS coaches for feedback, on which players they are better to leave alone come late March. Bevan is probably one guy who won't be near a MLS squad anytime soon, ie will solely play USL for Fresno FC in 2018.
I'm sure the other MLS guys can find a few hours to tune in via Skype, to say hi to the new coach, their AWs mates etc.
Better I think to make it pretty much solely a European based AWs squad, fleeced out with A League players (Nix season will be dead by then), Brockie and maybe some U20's kids (dare I say Dyer).
Time to experiment and have a good look at a group of younger players like Crocombe, Woud, Adam Mitchell, Brotherton, Ridenton, Rufer, Nikko Boxall, both Inghams etc. Perhaps also bring Henry Cameron back in for a look. Definitely invite Boyd (if available). Also invite Joe Champness (ie try sneak him off Australia). Others like Luke Adams & Tyler Lissette (both playing in Sweden) and even Niko Kirwan are worth considering. They are all at pro club environments after all, and a good chance to keep them in touch with NZF.
If short on numbers, you'd have a few Kiwi "journeymen" in Europe like Old, Draper, Tamati Williams and Chris James (harsh tag maybe) possibly floating around. But really their time has been & gone - money better spent looking at Generation Next.
There will be some value for sure in having likes of Mitchell & Brotherton spend a few quality days training/talking, to Winnie Reid & Themi (if can understand him). Same re Lewis & Ridenton hanging out with Thomas & Rojas, or Woud learning off Glenn Moss, Wood rooming with young Bevan etc. Get Rory over for some board games/team bonding sessions.
I wouldn't even play the big guns (Reid, Wood, Thomas) in the Canada 'game'. What's the point - unless they were needing some match fitness, re club seasons.
I'd mostly play kids, and not give the game international status. Time to experiment, and see who stands out at the next level. Also there will be the odd European scout watching, so could assist some of these younger guys get a club gig somewhere if they catch the eye. All about thinking about the longer term AWs vision, and trying to build much needed depth.
Some the above youngsters will definitely be required in 2 years time, at the next Oceania Cup Confed tournament. Let’s not forget we won the last one on pens, and were knocked out of the previous one in semis. So let’s give them some international exposure now, so in 2 years time they are well prepared if needed.
In mean time, I hope NZF are targeting some WC 2018 bound teams - seeking pre Russia friendlies later in May/June. If so at that point, bring in the MLS players and make it a stronger more 1st choice AWs squad.