Kiwis rookies in key Anzac roles

Kiwis rookies in key Anzac roles

NZ Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has named international debutants Ben Henry and Isaac John to the pivotal hooker and stand off positions for the Anzac Test against Australia in Sydney on Friday.

With five new caps in his playing line-up, Kearney was opted for another rookie – second rower Kenny Bromwich – as 18th man for the encounter.

The other newcomer to the NZ starting unit is fullback Peta Hiku, a four-try performer with his Manly Sea Eagles club last weekend, with hooker Siliva Havili and prop Martin Taupau coming off the bench.

“We’ve had a solid couple of days together, and all the lads have really impressed me with their enthusiasm and energy,” says Kearney. “Kenny’s been a big part of that and I’m sure he’ll get his chance in the future.

“We’re under no illusions about the task ahead of us – the Aussies are a world champion side and we will have to be on top of our game to match them.

“But we have confidence in our talent, and there’s definitely a spirit in this group that augurs well for this game and beyond.”

The NZ Kiwis line-up for the 2014 Anzac Test is:

1 Peta Hiku

2 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

3 Dean Whare

4 Gerard Beale

5 Jason Nightingale

6 Isaac John

7 Shaun Johnson

8 Jesse Bromwich

9 Ben Henry

10 Sam Moa

11 Simon Mannering (c)

12 Kevin Proctor

13 Adam Blair

14 Siliva Havili

15 Martin Taupau

16 Greg Eastwood

17 Tohu Harris

18th man Kenny Bromwich

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