New Zealand delay their team announcement: Gillette Four Nations - Rugby League
New Zealand coach, Stephen Kearney, is not going to announce the finalised pick of the clash, until Saturday, November 12, when England will put their skills to test against the Kiwis in the Gillette Four Nations’ sudden-death encounter.
As per the rules of the campaign, Kiwis’ coach, who had already convened his side at Leeds on Tuesday, is supposed to announce his 19-man selection by Thursday, which does not seem likely as there is a reason behind the induced delay.
The delay in announcing the finalised Kiwi line-up against England is not because Black jerseys are striving to keep the suspense alive, but it has been enforced because Kiwis are facing problems in making their final pick.
While talking about the delay at a pre-match press conference, Kearney said, "We have some selection issues to consider and won't be making a final decision on our side until as late as possible.”
As New Zealand is moving deeper into the campaign, there are major changes that need to be made to the line-up. Last Saturday’s 36-0 win over Wales, cost Kiwis their brilliant prop, Sam Kendry, who can no longer offer his services to the Kiwis’ squad because
of a jaw injury. The remaining 22-man squad will be retained.
Wigan hooker Thomas Leuluai, who was named Players' Player of the Day against Wales in their thumping 36-0 win over the meagre Welsh side, is expected to be part of the sudden-death clash.
With Leuluali’s inclusion, the player will make his 30th appearance for England, which is a milestone for him as this way he will tread past his father’s 29 Test caps won from 1979-1986.
While Kiwis’ side is yet to release their finalised pick, their half-back Kieran Foran pointed out that they are looking forward to knocking down England’s key players, Rangi Chase and Sam Tomkins.
Foran mentioned, "There are plenty - you can't let them break loose. Sam Tomkins and guys like that; if you present them with a loose line they're going to make you pay for it. We're focusing on our defensive line and what we've got to do in order to shut
them down."
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