Pirtek Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has recalled Krisnan Inu, Issac Luke and David Fa’alogo for Saturday night’s World Cup clash against Papua New Guinea at Skilled Park in Robina.

Inu, who played on the wing against Tonga on October 18, comes in at centre for the suspended Steve Matai while second rower Setaimata Sa returns to the starting line up for the injured Sika Manu (eye) with David Fa’alogo taking Sa’s spot on the bench.

The only other change to the side that lost 6-30 to Australia in Sydney on Sunday night sees a swap in the dummy half option on the interchange bench, Issac Luke taking over from Dene Halatau.

While Inu, Luke and Fa’alogo all missed the official World Cup opener in Sydney, they not only played against Tonga 10 days ago but they also lined up for the All Golds against New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on October 12.

“Suspension and injury have kept Steve and Sika out but it’s a comfort for us that we have quality players to bring in like Kris and David,” said Kearney.

“And Issac has kept pushing for a spot as well. It’s a sign of the competition we have for places within the squad.”

Kearney said the disappointment of the display against Australia had been dealt with.

“While the overall performance and the result itself weren’t what we wanted, we were still encouraged by some areas of the match,” he said.

“We’ve analysed that game and now it’s time to move on to Papua New Guinea. This is a critical match for both sides.

“We’ll need to show improvement and be right on our game to compete with the Kumuls. They were really impressive against England and we’re certainly aware we are in for a tough night. We have to be ready for them.”

England’s Steve Ganson has been appointed as referee.

 

Pirtek Kiwis team to play PNG:

 

1. LANCE HOHAIA

2. SAM PERRETT

3. KRISNAN INU

4. JEROME ROPATI

5. MANU VATUVEI

6. BENJI MARSHALL

7. THOMAS LEULUAI

8. NATHAN CAYLESS (c)

9. NATHAN FIEN

10. ADAM BLAIR

11. SIMON MANNERING

12. SETAIMATA SA

13. JEREMY SMITH
   

Interchange:

14. ISSAC LUKE

15. GREG EASTWOOD

16. SAM RAPIRA

17. DAVID FA’ALOGO

18TH MAN: JASON NIGHTINGALE; 19TH MAN: DAVID KIDWELL

 

Source: Richard Becht

 

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