New Zealand v PNG: Teams
Prop Sam McKendry will make his New Zealand debut in the Four Nations fixture against Papua New Guinea in Rotura.
Last Updated: 29/10/10 12:36pm
New Zealand will be looking to make it two wins from two in this year's Four Nations when they take on Papua New Guinea in Rotura.
The Kiwis opened their campaign on home soil last weekend with a 24-10 victory over England at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
Now Stephen Kearney's side can put themselves in prime position for a place in the final with a victory over the tournament outsiders on Saturday.
Despite the positive result against England, Kearney has still opted to make changes to his starting line-up.
McKendry in
Prop Sam McKendry will make his international debut having only been a late call-up to the squad in place of the injured Fuifui Moimoi.
The 21-year-old is joined in the front row by Frank-Paul Nuuausala, meaning former Leeds Rhino Greg Eastwood drops down to the bench.
Wigan's Thomas Leuluai keeps his place as hooker while Sika Manu, who was 18th man for the game with England, is drafted in to the second row.
There is also a change in the backs as Sam Perrett takes over from the injured Manu Vatuvei, who suffered a broken arm just two minutes into the tournament, on the wing.
Physical Kumuls
Papua New Guinea will be looking for only their second ever victory over New Zealand in the 15th meeting of the two nations.
The Kumuls did some physical damage to the Kangaroos on the field in their opening game last Sunday but still didn't muster a point on the scoreboard.
Full-back Ryan Tongia was even given a caution for using his knees on centre Brent Tate during the clash with Australia.
Coach Stanley Gene has opted to make changes following the 42-0 defeat, bringing in prop James Nightingale, second rower Johnson Kuike and hooker Charlie Wabo to bolster the pack.
New Zealand: L Hohaia; J Nightingale, S Kenny-Dowall, J Sa'u, S Perrett; B Marshall (capt), N Fien; S McKendry, T Leuluai, F-P Nuuausala, S Manu, S Mannering, J Smith. Subs: I Luke, J Waerea-Hargreaves, B Harrison, G Eastwood.
Papua New Guinea: R Tongia, M Mark, J Joe Parker, E Yere, E Riyong, Glen Nami, Dion Aiye, Makali Aizue, Charlie Wabo, James Nightingale, Rodney Griffin, Johnson Kuike, Paul Aiton (captain). Interchange (two to be omitted): Benjamin John, Rodney Pora, Pidi Tongap, Nickson Kolo, Alex Haija, Richard Kambo.