Reassurances from coach Darren Bazeley that the All Whites star player is good to go as their road to the 2026 Football World Cup begins

English Premier League striker Chris Wood wasn't present as expected at today's pre-match press conference for tomorrow's Oceania qualification opener against Tahiti in Vanuatu.

The New Zealand captain scored his fourth goal of the EPL season in Nottingham Forest's 1-all draw with Chelsea on Monday morning - before beginning his trip to the Pacific.

Bazeley says Wood's simply one of several dealing with the difficulties of a long trip and time difference.