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New Zealand Kiwis v Great Britain Lions preview

Only four points separated New Zealand and Great Britain last weekend and we're set for another gripping clash in Christchurch on Saturday to conclude the two-Test series.

After a heavy loss to Australia, the Kiwis scored a gritty 12-8 win over the Lions. The game's only three tries came in the second half.

Great Britain are winless on their first southern hemisphere tour in 12 years – having also been beaten by Tonga – and will be desperate to get on the board.

The Rundown

Team News

Kiwis: Shaun Johnson and Brandon Smith return to the Kiwis side after missing last week's win over Great Britain. Kieran Foran (shoulder) and Jahrome Hughes drop out of the 17. Kenny Bromwich is expecting the birth of his second child and is out of the side, with Corey Harawira-Naera starting in the pack and Kevin Proctor added to the bench.

Lions: Great Britain winger Zak Hardaker (shoulder) is out of the Lions team in another blow to the wing stocks of Wayne Bennett's side following the loss of Ryan Hall following the first Test. With Hardaker out, Bennett said regular five-eighth Blake Austin would start on the wing.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for New Zealand is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
    Fullback for Great Britain is number 1 Jonny Lomax
  • Winger for New Zealand is number 2 Ken Maumalo
    Winger for Great Britain is number 2 Jermaine McGillvary
  • Centre for New Zealand is number 3 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
    Centre for Great Britain is number 3 Jack Hughes
  • Centre for New Zealand is number 4 Joseph Manu
    Centre for Great Britain is number 4 Jake Connor
  • Winger for New Zealand is number 5 Jamayne Isaako
    Winger for Great Britain is number 18 Blake Austin
  • Five-Eighth for New Zealand is number 6 Shaun Johnson
    Five-Eighth for Great Britain is number 6 Gareth Widdop
  • Halfback for New Zealand is number 7 Benji Marshall
    Halfback for Great Britain is number 7 Jackson Hastings

Forwards

  • Prop for New Zealand is number 8 Zane Tetevano
    Prop for Great Britain is number 8 Chris Hill
  • Hooker for New Zealand is number 9 Brandon Smith
    Hooker for Great Britain is number 9 Josh Hodgson
  • Prop for New Zealand is number 10 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
    Prop for Great Britain is number 10 Thomas Burgess
  • 2nd Row for New Zealand is number 11 Briton Nikora
    2nd Row for Great Britain is number 11 John Bateman
  • 2nd Row for New Zealand is number 15 Kevin Proctor
    2nd Row for Great Britain is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
  • Lock for New Zealand is number 13 Joseph Tapine
    Lock for Great Britain is number 13 James Graham

Interchange

  • Interchange for New Zealand is number 12 Corey Harawira-Naera
    Interchange for Great Britain is number 14 Josh Jones
  • Interchange for New Zealand is number 14 Kodi Nikorima
    Interchange for Great Britain is number 16 Daryl Clark
  • Interchange for New Zealand is number 16 Leeson Ah Mau
    Interchange for Great Britain is number 17 Alex Walmsley
  • Interchange for New Zealand is number 17 Adam Blair
    Interchange for Great Britain is number 20 Luke Thompson

Match Officials

  • Referee: Gerard Sutton
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Video Referee: Henry Perenara

Last updated:

Key match-up

Dynamic fullbacks Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jonny Lomax led the way for their nations in the first Test. Tuivasa-Sheck contributed a match-high 234 metres, a line break and a try assist to propel New Zealand home. Meanwhile, Super League star Lomax topped the metres chart for Great Britain (196) and had a line break assist. A moment of magic from either No.1 could be the difference.

For New Zealand to win

The Kiwis improved on their effort against Australia but they'll be focused on cutting down the errors, having made 10 to Great Britain's six last start. It will also be integral for the returning Shaun Johnson to gain some early confidence, especially with his kicking game. If he's on song, the Kiwis will be hard to stop. 

For Great Britain to win

Last week's completion rate of 87% is impressive on paper but the Lions might be better served throwing caution to the wind against the Kiwis. Great Britain have no shortage of attacking talent, so scoring just two tries in two matches on tour suggests they've been too conservative. Wayne Bennett's troops produced eight offloads compared to New Zealand's 13 in the opening match and more second-phase play could be what's needed to break up the black wall.

Stat Attack

Great Britain back-rower John Bateman has been tireless across two 80-minute performances, making a combined 78 tackles and 296 metres. Kodi Nikorima was enormous for New Zealand on Test return last Saturday, making 53 tackles at hooker after being brought into the starting side for Brandon Smith.

Acknowledgement of Country

St George Illawarra Dragons respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, where our games are played, our programs are conducted and in the communities we support.

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