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
Ends