NZ Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has named a largely unchanged line-up for the third and deciding test against England at Wigan’s DW Stadium on Saturday.
Utility Kodi Nikorima, who was a late change at half in last week’s playing line-up and took the field in jersey #19, will run on in #7 this time.
The only other change sees Gerard Beale replace Tuimoala Lolohea in the extended 19-man squad.
In the process, Kearney keeps faith in the group that ground out a 9-2 victory in London, levelling the series at 1-1.
“These lads got the job done last week and it was a good performance from them,” says Kearney, who has now won more games (23) than any other Kiwis coach before him.
“I didn’t feel there was a need to change the team.”
With victory last week, Kearney (23-16-1) moved past Frank Endacott (22-11-2) for the most wins by a Kiwis coach.
The full squad for Saturday’s test is:
- Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
- Jason Nightingale
- Jordan Kahu
- Dean Whare
- Shaun Kenny-Dowall
- Peta Hiku
- Kodi Nikorima
- Jesse Bromwich
- Issac Luke
- Sam Moa
- Kevin Prcotor
- Tohu Harris
- Adam Blair
- Lewis Brown
- Martin Taupau
- Ben Matulino
- Alex Glenn
- Isaac Liu
- Gerard Beale
