13 Oct 2012

All Whites beat Tahiti in Oceania qualifier

10:23 pm on 13 October 2012

The All Whites completed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Tahiti in their Oceania World Cup qualifying clash in Papeete tonight.

Shane Smeltz scored the opening goal and moved into outright second as New Zealand's highest scorer at international level.

It was his 23rd international goal and moved him one ahead of Steve Sumner and five behind record holder Vaughan Coveny.

Defender Ben Sigmund then powered home a header with less than 10 minutes remaining to ensure Ricki Herbert's side remained unbeaten and moved to nine points on the table.

The All Whites - who are without defenders Ryan Nelsen and Winston Reid - led one-nil at half time.