All Whites coach Ricki Herbert has predictably persevered with the players that secured New Zealand's passage to soccer's World Cup for Monday night's friendly with Australia at the MCG.

Herbert selected the starting line-up that battled to a scoreless draw with Bahrain in the Middle East last October, so there is just one change from the 11 that took the field for the 1-0 return leg victory in Wellington on November 14.

Experienced midfielder Simon Elliot, who was unavailable through injury in Wellington, replaces Michael McGlinchy, who will be among the reserves.

Uncapped defender Winston Reid is poised to make his international debut alongside the squad's other newcomer, Canterbury midfielder Aaron Clapham.

Herbert is able to make six substitutions through the course of the match, so Scottish-raised defender Tommy Smith, who debuted in the March friendly against Mexico in California, is also in line for game time.

Teenage striker Chris Wood, 18, also waits in the wings as Herbert retains a forward line of Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, and Rory Fallon - provider of the goal that confirmed New Zealand's place in South Africa.

The Auckland-born Reid, who plays in the Danish league, has an opportunity to force his way into a defensive system led by captain Ryan Nelsen, who initially marshalls the back with veteran Ivan Vicelich and Ben Sigmund.

NEW ZEALAND: Mark Paston, Ivan Vicelich, Ryan Nelsen (captain), Ben Sigmund, Tim Brown, Simon Elliott, Leo Bertos, Tony Lochhead, Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, Rory Fallon.

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