All Whites coach Anthony Hudson is impressed with the fitness levels of his squad as they start to prepare for a friendly against Japan next Friday in Nagoya.
Hudson sent home Dane Ingham from last month's World Cup qualifiers against the Solomon Islands after the defender turned up to camp out of shape.
Midfielder Bill Tuiloma was also left out for the same reasons but both players have been recalled, and in line to feature in the last match before the intercontinental playoff against the fifth placed South American side.
Hudson said he believes his actions have sent a clear message to the players - turn up fit or you're out.
"I wanted a reaction," said Hudson. "I wasn't willing to put up with it anymore."
"If we're not supremely fit and outwork the opposition in November (we won't win). We're resilient but you can only be resilient for as long as you're fit enough.
"Everyone says it's a real Kiwi way - resilience - well listen, we want to show that resilience, but you can only be resilient for as much as you're physically capable to do that, then you drop.
"We saw that at the Confederations Cup, this is something that I have to be really clear of it's a fact we have to face we're either absolutely supremely fit or we've got no chance in November, so I wanted a reaction and I feel confident enough that I've got one."
One of the squad members that has benefited the most from Hudson's hard-line is Kosta Barbarouses.
The forward faced a dilemma himself when the coach dropped him for an overseas tour in 2016 after lacklustre performances for his then club, the Wellington Phoenix, but Hudson is delighted the 27-year-old has worked hard to force his way back into the frame.
"His reaction has been outstanding," Hudson said.
"I thought in the last window, playing up fron with 'woodsy' (Chris Wood), which is not a role that he's not used to, I thought he put in one of his best performances (against the Solomon Islands).
"His attitude was very good and I thought he showed a lot of leadership as an experienced player that I've been wanting from him.
"Kosta's really impressed me."
The squad will be captained by a returning Winston Reid, which also features other key European based players Chris Wood, Ryan Thomas and Marco Rojas.
Veteran goal keeper Glen Moss has missed selection as Hudson believes he is better served staying with his A-League club, the Newcastle Jets.
18-year-old Michael Woud will play back-up to the impressive Stefan Marinovic.
Woud currently plays in the Sunderland U-23 side and has also represented New Zealand at Under-20 level.
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