New Zealand include four debutants for England test

New Zealand have named four potential first caps in their squad for Sunday’s opening Test match with England at Hull.

Centre Jordan Kahu, scrum-half Tuimoala Lolohea, forward Siosiua Takieaho and utility Kodi Nikorima could all make their debut in the famous black shirt at the KC Stadium.

Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney was pleased with the way his players performed in last week’s friendly against Leeds at Headingley.

“The purpose of last week’s exercise was to give a run to some guys that hadn’t played in a while,” he said.

“It was a matter of building that consistency, that’s why they’ve got the opportunity again this week.”

Kahu sustained a groin injury, however, and co-captain Adam Blair injured his calf at Headingleyt.

Both players have recovered sufficiently to be included in the 19-man group, and Kearney will leave it as long as possible to make a judgement call.

“That’s still an ongoing exercise and we’ll make a call on Adam as late as tomorrow,” he said.

“If he’s unable to take the field, we’ve got some pretty handy replacements.

“Hopefully, for Adam, he will get the chance to skipper the team with Issac Luke.”

NEW ZEALAND SQUAD:

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jason Nightingale, Jordan Kahu, Dean Whare, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Peta Hiku, Tuimoala Lolohea, Jesse Bromwich, Issac Luke, Sam Moa, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair, Kodi Nikorima, Martin Taupau, Ben Matulino, Siosiua Takeiaho, Alex Glenn, Lewis Brown