The injury-plagued Kiwis have been dealt another blow with in-form centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall ruled out on the eve of Friday’s Test with Australia.
The Sydney Roosters outside back failed to get through Thursday’s captain’s run because of a foot injury with Parramatta’s Brad Takairangi to take his place in Stephen Kearney’s 17.
The world No.1 side has been decimated with a combination of injury, withdrawals and suspension ruling out the likes of Kieran Foran, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Simon Mannering.
Kenny-Dowall had been in a moon boot all week, and after failing to take part their final training session, a line was ruled through his name.
The match against the Kangaroos, who are desperate to regain the mantle of the world’s best under new coach Mal Meninga, looks on paper at least to be a lopsided battle.
The Kiwis will also be missing, Peta Hiku, Dean Whare, Sia Soliola, Alex Glenn, Tuimoala Lolohea, Thomas Leuluai and Sio Siua Taukeiaho through injury.
Parramatta skipper Foran took leave for personal reasons while Manu Vatuvei, Bodene Thompson and Ben Matulino weren’t considered after being stood down by the Warriors for abusing prescription drugs.
Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves wasn’t considered after returning from a knee injury just last week and out of form hooker Issac Luke wasn’t selected.
Kearney on Thursday reiterated he was confident his side could do the job, regardless of the final make-up of the squad.
The Kiwis in 2012 gave the Australians a scare in the corresponding game when they fielded a no-frills line-up and pushed the more favoured Australians all the way before being pipped 30-18.
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What to look out for in week two of the Pacific Championships
Brad Fittler claims widening State of Origin eligibility rules to include Australian-raised New Zealand and England players will benefit both the domestic and international game.
If you followed the recent Rugby League World Cup, you’ll probably have noted that the tournament has both passionate supporters and vocal detractors.
Since the Super League War, Rugby League has failed to cement an international calendar. The historical tours disappeared – in part due to the war but also since the English game transferred to a summer season.
With many spruiking that the pinnacle of our beloved sport is State of Origin, surely it’s time to make yet another amendment to the playbook and finally let New Zealand and English players in on the fun?
With the World Cup final just days away, I thought I’d reflect on some of the key moments and memories of the past ten…
