New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney has named a largely unchanged line-up for the third and deciding game against England at DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday November 14 (1.00pm).
Utility Kodi Nikorima, who was a late change at half-back in last week’s playing line-up and took the field in the 19 jersey, will run on in seven 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,” said Kearney.
“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.
New Zealand squad to play England is as follows:
1-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2-Jason Nightingale
3-Jordan Kahu
4-Dean Whare
5-Shaun Kenny-Dowall
6-Peta Hiku
7-Kodi Nikorima
8-Jesse Bromwich
9-Issac Luke
10-Sam Moa
11-Kevin Proctor
12-Tohu Harris
13-Adam Blair
14-Lewis Brown
15-Martin Taupau
16-Ben Matulino
17-Alex Glenn
18-Isaac Liu
19-Gerard Beale
The final and deciding game of the series at DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday November 14 (1.00pm) is now sold out. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One from 12.45pm or listen on BBC Radio 5 Live.
This article first appeared on www.englandrl.co.uk
