Kiwis make four changes
From staff writers
October 24, 2006
NEW ZEALAND coach Brian McClennan today made four changes for the Tri-Nations rugby league Test with Great Britain in Christchurch on Saturday night.
Two were forced, with wing Shontayne Hape and centre Steve Matai ruled out with injuries picked up in the 20-15 loss to Australia in Melbourne last Saturday.
Tame Tupou has been named to replace Hape, with the experienced Nigel Vagana moving from five eighth to centre and Jerome Ropati partnering Stacey Jones in the halves.
McCleannan named Frank Pritchard to replace Tony Puletua in the second row.
New Zealand Test team
Brent Webb, Tame Tupou, Nigel Vagana, Iosia Soliola, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki (c), Nathan Fien, Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell, Frank Pritchard, Simon Mannering.
Reserves: Motu Tony, Nathan Cayless, Jason Cayless, David Fa'alogo. 18th man: Adam Blair.