A lot has happened since the last time the Matildas played in May 2014.

A week is a long time in football so 9 months, well, that is an eternity.

In that period Alen Stajcic was formally appointed, a W-League season has come and gone and the field and opponents for the 2015 Women’s World Cup has been set.

Tuesday is Stajcic’s first chance to see how parts of his philosophy and game plan are being adopted with just under 4 months left before Australia’s opening game against the USA.

While the touring squad selected for the New Zealand tri-nations matches are by no means the final 23 heading for Canada, for some players it is a slightly open door to the national team they were looking for.

Players like Hayley Crawford, who was the cornerstone of the Newcastle Jets defence as they made a surge up the W-League table.

This chance for Crawford is her second shot at the national team having been a member in the early 2000s, highlighted by her selection for the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

A midfielder in her first football life, the 30 year old retired and has comeback as a composed, possession comfortable but physically dominant defender.

The physicality, in particular, is a trait Australia will require when navigating a Group D filled nations that will put the body pressure on their younger Matildas opponents.

Also given another opportunity is Danielle Brogan. Although shorter in stature than Crawford, Brogan plays tall and in a similar mould to Crawford.

After appearing to have made her way into a more permanent squad position in 2012/13, Brogan looked to have been a victim of the ACL scourge.

In her comeback the centre-back has broadened her horizons beyond the Sydney FC side she captained, playing in England and Adelaide.

[More: Matildas announce squad for New Zealand series]

Adelaide is where Brogan would have first-hand knowledge of Australia’s next wunderkind, Alex Chidiac.

Slight in stature but big on talent, Chidiac is part of a group of three or four touted as the “next big things” and, following her first W-League season, she impressed in camp.

Whether the midfielder is a player for now or a “project player” remains to be seen. However with Stajcic’s track record for developing young players, it would be no great shock if the 16 year old does press for World Cup selection; much like Caitlin Foord and Emily van Egmond did 4 years ago.

This tour is also a potential break for recent graduates of the Young Matildas Larissa Crummer, Amy Harrison and Hayley Raso as well as Servet Uzunlar (whose Matildas hiatus is almost two years old).

Forward Kyah Simon and defensive midfielder Aivi Luik too are set for a return from long term injuries with both having been absent since 2013 and 2012, respectively.

How they are integrated into the midfield and forward line may have ramifications for well established players but then again this is a limited time for experimentation before the embedding process.

[More: Australia’s World Cup preparations ramp up]

DPR Korea is a strong first up test.

The Koreans held and pushed New Zealand in the first tri-nations clash on Sunday that ended in a 1-1 draw.

In terms of preparation, North Korea are the best of both worlds. They exhibit the technicality of the Asian nations while having the physicality that will test Australia.

Australia is set up well to be an attacking side, whether with possession or via counter attack. Defensively are where the concerns lie and have been evident. How that is addressed will be the key to the Matildas advancement in the Women's World Cup.

Australia’s record with DPR Korea is a tight one having only won on three occasions, with one of those by penalty shoot-out; granted it was the Asian Cup Final!

These two teams have not met since the London 2012 Olympic qualifiers where an under prepared Australia were beaten out 1-0 by DPR Korea.

The North Koreans, although banned for positive drug tests during the 2011 Women's World Cup and ineligible for the 2015 edition, went on to claim one of two AFC berths at London 2012.

While a good performance is Stajcic's goal, Australia will be hoping to commence their World Cup preparations on a positive note.

There is no broadcast of the match but follow us on Facebook at Twitter for updates.

Women’s International Tri Series

DPR Korea v Australia

Bill McKinlay Park, Auckland

Tuesday 10 February

Kick-Off: 3.30pm local (1.30pm AEDT)

 Matildas Squad

Nicola BOLGER (Sydney FC), Danielle BROGAN (Adelaide United), Kim CARROLL (Brisbane Roar), Stephanie CATLEY (Melbourne Victory), Alex CHIDIAC (Adelaide United), Hayley CRAWFORD (Newcastle Jets), Larissa CRUMMER (Brisbane Roar), Brianna DAVEY (gk) (Melbourne Victory), Lisa DE VANNA (Melbourne Victory), Casey DUMONT (gk) (Sydney FC), Caitlin FOORD (Perth Glory), Katrina GORRY (Brisbane Roar), Amy HARRISON (Sydney FC), Michelle HEYMAN (Canberra United), Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT (Brisbane Roar), Alanna KENNEDY (Perth Glory), Aivi LUIK (Brisbane Roar), Teresa POLIAS (Sydney FC), Clare POLKINGHORNE (Brisbane Roar), Hayley RASO (Brisbane Roar), Kyah SIMON (Sydney FC), Ashleigh SYKES (Canberra United), Servet UZUNLAR (Sydney FC), Emily VAN EGMOND (Newcastle Jets)