Kiwis keep faith with winning combo

KIWIS KEEP FAITH WITH WINNING COMBO

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, to be shown LIVE on SKY Sport 2 at1.45am Sunday NZ, is:

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 Prcotor

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 game will be shown live on SKY Sport 2, starting 3.15am Sunday NZ.

ENDS

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