Only four points separated New Zealand and Great Britain last weekend and we're set for another gripping clash in Christchurch on Saturday to conclude the two-Test series.
After a heavy loss to Australia, the Kiwis scored a gritty 12-8 win over the Lions. The game's only three tries came in the second half.
Great Britain are winless on their first southern hemisphere tour in 12 years – having also been beaten by Tonga – and will be desperate to get on the board.
The Rundown
Match: New Zealand v Great Britain
Round 4 -
home Team
Kiwis
away Team
Great Britain
Venue: Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch
Team News
Kiwis: Shaun Johnson and Brandon Smith return to the Kiwis side after missing last week's win over Great Britain. Kieran Foran (shoulder) and Jahrome Hughes drop out of the 17. Kenny Bromwich is expecting the birth of his second child and is out of the side, with Corey Harawira-Naera starting in the pack and Kevin Proctor added to the bench.
Lions: Great Britain winger Zak Hardaker (shoulder) is out of the Lions team in another blow to the wing stocks of Wayne Bennett's side following the loss of Ryan Hall following the first Test. With Hardaker out, Bennett said regular five-eighth Blake Austin would start on the wing.
Match: New Zealand v Great Britain
Round 4 -
home Team
Kiwis
away Team
Great Britain
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for New Zealand is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-SheckFullback for Great Britain is number 1 Jonny Lomax
-
Winger for New Zealand is number 2 Ken MaumaloWinger for Great Britain is number 2 Jermaine McGillvary
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Centre for New Zealand is number 3 Charnze Nicoll-KlokstadCentre for Great Britain is number 3 Jack Hughes
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Centre for New Zealand is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Great Britain is number 4 Jake Connor
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Winger for New Zealand is number 5 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Great Britain is number 18 Blake Austin
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Five-Eighth for New Zealand is number 6 Shaun JohnsonFive-Eighth for Great Britain is number 6 Gareth Widdop
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Halfback for New Zealand is number 7 Benji MarshallHalfback for Great Britain is number 7 Jackson Hastings
Forwards
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Prop for New Zealand is number 8 Zane TetevanoProp for Great Britain is number 8 Chris Hill
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Hooker for New Zealand is number 9 Brandon SmithHooker for Great Britain is number 9 Josh Hodgson
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Prop for New Zealand is number 10 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Great Britain is number 10 Thomas Burgess
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2nd Row for New Zealand is number 11 Briton Nikora2nd Row for Great Britain is number 11 John Bateman
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2nd Row for New Zealand is number 15 Kevin Proctor2nd Row for Great Britain is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
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Lock for New Zealand is number 13 Joseph TapineLock for Great Britain is number 13 James Graham
Interchange
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Interchange for New Zealand is number 12 Corey Harawira-NaeraInterchange for Great Britain is number 14 Josh Jones
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Interchange for New Zealand is number 14 Kodi NikorimaInterchange for Great Britain is number 16 Daryl Clark
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Interchange for New Zealand is number 16 Leeson Ah MauInterchange for Great Britain is number 17 Alex Walmsley
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Interchange for New Zealand is number 17 Adam BlairInterchange for Great Britain is number 20 Luke Thompson
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Video Referee: Henry Perenara
Last updated:
Key match-up
Dynamic fullbacks Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jonny Lomax led the way for their nations in the first Test. Tuivasa-Sheck contributed a match-high 234 metres, a line break and a try assist to propel New Zealand home. Meanwhile, Super League star Lomax topped the metres chart for Great Britain (196) and had a line break assist. A moment of magic from either No.1 could be the difference.
For New Zealand to win
The Kiwis improved on their effort against Australia but they'll be focused on cutting down the errors, having made 10 to Great Britain's six last start. It will also be integral for the returning Shaun Johnson to gain some early confidence, especially with his kicking game. If he's on song, the Kiwis will be hard to stop.
For Great Britain to win
Last week's completion rate of 87% is impressive on paper but the Lions might be better served throwing caution to the wind against the Kiwis. Great Britain have no shortage of attacking talent, so scoring just two tries in two matches on tour suggests they've been too conservative. Wayne Bennett's troops produced eight offloads compared to New Zealand's 13 in the opening match and more second-phase play could be what's needed to break up the black wall.
Stat Attack
Great Britain back-rower John Bateman has been tireless across two 80-minute performances, making a combined 78 tackles and 296 metres. Kodi Nikorima was enormous for New Zealand on Test return last Saturday, making 53 tackles at hooker after being brought into the starting side for Brandon Smith.
