England have some defensive headaches

New Zealand’s selection of damaging backrower Simon Mannering will guarantee underperforming England even more headaches in Saturday night’s World Cup semi-final.

England failed to handle the 112kg Manu Vatuvei last weekend, allowing the giant winger to equal the World Cup individual record with four tries in New Zealand’s 36-24 comeback in their group clash.

The 103kg Mannering, a former centre converted to a wide running backrower, is the perfect replacement for centre Steve Matai, who has been ruled out with neck and shoulder injuries.

Not because he’s skilful, athletic and powerful and has played 16 Tests, but because it helps coach Stephen Kearney settle on his pack.

With Mannering partnering Sam Perrett, who replaces Jason Nightingale on the right wing, Kearney has been able to pair damaging duo David Fa’alogo and Sika Manu, who is returning from an eye socket injury which sidelined him for games against PNG and England.

Skipper Nathan Cayless returns to the front-row for Test number 37 at the expense of Evarn Tuimavave. Cayless was one of four players rested against England last weekend.

With big Vatuvei attacking down the left and Mannering on the right, Kiwi playmaker Benji Marshall will have options on both sides to exploit with his out balls and cut out passes.

Kearney has again resisted calls to start young South Sydney utility Issac Luke at halfback, opting instead for the rugged Warrior Nathan.

Fien has been preferred in the No.7 to Thomas Leuluai who has been shifted to hooker after starting the series as the Kiwis’ first choice halfback.

“We’ve lost Steve (Matai) which is a blow but Simon gives us a great replacement,” said Kearney after finalising his 17-man squad today.

“Simon is such a reliable player, as we’ve seen throughout this campaign and again in last week’s match against England when he was forced to move to the centres.

“We’ve had plenty of competition for spots and that makes selection interesting but that’s a good place to be in. There were some hard choices to make.

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