Kiwis announce squad for Wales clash
New Zealand have named an 18-man squad to take on Wales as part of this Saturday’s Gillette Four Nations double header at Wembley Stadium (1.00pm).
Adam Blair makes his return to the squad following suspension while 21-year old Elijah Taylor is set to make his international debut after being named among the interchanges.
Nathan Fien has been recalled into action after missing the Four Nations opener against Australia last Friday night, Wigan Warriors’ Thomas Leuluai moves into the starting hooker’s role and Issac Luke has the week off.
“As we do every Test we play, we have selected the side that we think best suits our needs for this match against Wales,” said Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney.
“After being out for so long, it’s great to have Adam back. He has been working hard to get himself ready for this.
“It’s a chance to give Simon Mannering a break as well. He has had a huge year, not only playing every game so far but also playing 80 minutes almost every time as well.”
The Gillette Four Nations tournament heads to Wembley Stadium on Saturday November 5 when Wales face New Zealand at 1.00pm before England clash with Australia at 3.30pm. Tickets for the Wembley double header cost from £25 adults and £10 concessions. A family ticket giving admission to two adults and two children costs just £55.
England’s remaining group game against New Zealand will be played at the KC Stadium in Hull on Saturday November 12 (6.00pm) and tickets are priced from £20 adult and £10 concession.
Wales will play Australia in their final group fixture at The Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Sunday November 13 and fans will be able to attend the game for £10 adult and £5 concessions.
The 2011 Gillette Four Nations final will be played at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday November 19 (6.00pm) and tickets are priced from £20 Adult and £10 concession.
Tickets for the 2011 Gillette Four Nations can be purchased by calling 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
NEW ZEALAND v WALES
Wembley Stadium, London
1.00pm, Saturday, November 5, 2011
Referee: Matt Cecchin (Australia)
NEW ZEALAND Team
1 KEVIN LOCKE (Vodafone Warriors)
2 GERARD BEALE (Brisbane)
3 LEWIS BROWN (Vodafone Warriors)
4 ALEX GLENN (Brisbane)
5 JASON NIGHTINGALE (St George Illawarra)
6 BENJI MARSHALL (c) (Wests Tigers)
7 KIERAN FORAN (Manly)
8 SAM McKENDRY (Penrith)
9 THOMAS LEULUAI (Wigan)
10 BEN MATULINO (Vodafone Warriors)
11 SIKA MANU (Melbourne)
12 ADAM BLAIR (Melbourne)
13 JEREMY SMITH (Cronulla)
Interchange:
14 NATHAN FIEN (St George Illawarra)
15 JARED WAEREA-HARGREAVES (Sydney Roosters)
16 FUIFUI MOIMOI (Parramatta)
17 ELIJAH TAYLOR (Vodafone Warriors)
18TH MAN: RUSSELL PACKER (Vodafone Warriors)
COACH: STEPHEN KEARNEY
