Women love him, and sports editor Hayden Meikle wants to be him. The great Blackburn and New Zealand defender talks to the former Oamaru Under-12 goalkeeper.
Hayden Meikle: I can't open a newspaper or turn on the radio without seeing you or hearing your voice. You're a rock star.
Ryan Nelsen: I don't know about that. I just can't wait to get the boots back on. I feel a lot more comfortable with those on.
HM: You play Australia in Melbourne on Monday night. Why is that game important?
RN: It's just the first step towards the finish line, which is our first World Cup game against Slovakia. Obviously, it's important. It will be good to play in front of a big crowd, get the guys together and blow some cobwebs out. It's a big game but in all honesty, we're trying to peak for the World Cup.
HM: People forget that Australia struggled to qualify for the World Cup for a long time. Now they're probably considered one of the top 20 to 25 nations in the world. Are they an example of how the All Whites can get progressively better?
RN: I think so. I mean, that's a really good question. Their model is maybe one we should look at. Australia decided to join the Asian federation and that was a huge thing for them. They started playing very competitive games regularly, and that's what you need. They got better and better.
I'd like to see New Zealand move into Asia. It would be good financially, and we'd get really good games every year.
HM: Will the style of the Australians be good preparation for your World Cup opponents - Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay?
RN: I think so. The Australians all play in Europe. It will be a game where they will really want to impress their home fans because it's their send-off game. They'll be up for it.
HM: When is your second baby due?
RN: July 6.
HM: That was a lovely story about your fellow All Whites defender, Ben Sigmund, and his tiny baby, born prematurely.
RN: Yeah, what an amazing story. That's just typical that Ben's son has turned out to be an absolute wee fighter. He probably wants out of the incubator right away. All our hearts and prayers have been with Ben, because it must be a really stressful time for him.
HM: What did fatherhood do for you first time around?
RN: You never think it will have the impact that it does. It's great. You can have one of your worst days at the office, or play one of your worst games, and you come home and see your child's face light up ... that puts things in perspective. It's levelled me out a lot.
HM: Let's say one of your team-mates scores a goal that leads to an All Whites win at the World Cup. Could they be a contender to name your second child? Smeltz Nelsen? Killen Nelsen?
RN: Ha ha. We've got so many young and exciting players on this team. I hope six or seven of them put their hands up. I hope 10 of them are in the public eye.
HM: I spoke to Bobby Almond last week about the great 1982 campaign. He talked about his regret that the All Whites felt they'd won just by qualifying for the World Cup, and that they maybe didn't perform as well as they could have in Spain. Are you guys satisfied just to get to South Africa or do you want to prove you are worth your place?
RN: Yeah that's a really good question. I've spoken to most of the 1982 guys and that is definitely one of their biggest regrets. It was such a massive achievement to qualify and it was kind of, that was it, they'd peaked. That will be addressed really early in our camp.
Qualifying is only part of the journey. We've got to get mentally right so that when we get to the World Cup we are looking to win games, not just enjoy the experience.
HM: What gives you confidence that the All Whites will be able to go and do that?
RN: Look, it's going to be extremely difficult. We're playing teams who, on paper, are a lot better than us. But this is the first All Whites team I've been on that genuinely has quality everywhere.
We have very good strikers, good midfielders, good keepers, depth everywhere. It's a nice team. It's a competitive team. And as long as you're competitive, the unthinkable can happen. The underdog can win. If we have a good day and someone has a bad day, you never know.
HM: One of the great stories in this team is Ivan Vicelich. The guy has been around forever and then came out of international retirement. What does he bring to the team?
RN: He's a fantastic player. He had a great career in Holland and he's respected very highly over there. For him to come out of retirement and get to a World Cup is an incredible story. I'm so happy for him. He was one of the unsung heroes in both games against Bahrain. We'll look for his experience and wisdom over the next few weeks.
HM: From an Otago perspective, what can you tell us about Kavanagh College old boy Andy Boyens?
RN: He's one of my favourite players. I love that guy. He's so down to earth with that big goofy smile. He's also an extremely good player. What I love about Andy is that he's always so keen. He's always smiling and happy and I hope he gets a lot of time on the field.
HM: Have you seen the new boys, Tommy Smith or Winston Reid, play much?
RN: No, not at all. I've picked up little bits of what Tommy does because he's in England. I talked to a Danish player who spoke very highly of Winston. They're two young and exciting players and it's great they've chosen to play for us.
HM: Will you quit international football after the World Cup?
RN: No, I don't think so. I'll have a serious think about my role and what I can give New Zealand football. The sport's in good hands now. Finances are good, playing numbers are growing, there are great players coming through, and the Phoenix are doing well. It's a really nice time.
HM: You've tipped England as a surprise World Cup winner. Seriously?
RN: Yeah I'm sticking by that. I just think the conditions will suit them. It should be a bit cooler and a bit damp. England have got a good team and a good chance to win it.
