Next Thursday, the All Whites will be entering the most formidable fortress in world sport.

Two things could be coming to a close as the ASB Premiership kicks off this weekend - Waitakere United's stranglehold on the trophy and the Auckland club's long-running duopoly.

The All Whites are well versed in demanding travel schedules but what they are about to undertake over the next two weeks is at the extreme end of the scale.

The fact that five Phoenix All Whites are playing this evening, a few hours before they fly to North America, is ridiculous.

The Phoenix will need total commitment to the cause to earn their first victory of the season when they play Perth today.