KEY POINTS:
A few of the All Golds gave Kiwis coach Gary Kemble reason to consider their worth for the test series starting next weekend as they saw off great Stacey Jones and the Northern Union with a win in Warrington yesterday.
Jones created the game-sealing try for former Kiwis
and Warriors teammate Clinton Toopi then kicked the conversion to bring down the curtain on a 12-year international career.
It was an emotional time for him as the All Golds, who were commemorating the first tour to England 100 years ago, performed a post-match haka.
The halfback removed his boots and left them in the middle of the pitch, then ruled out any suggestion of a comeback at any level. "This is it. That's enough, I'm looking forward to going home."
It was important to him to finish with a win, Jones said.
Kemble must find replacements for four players. Three are not backing up after the 58-0 demolition by Australia in Wellington - centre Steve Matai is injured and suspended, and wing Luke Covell and fullback Krisnan Inu are injured.
Secondrower David Kidwell has been given permission to leave the tour after his mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and he will return home as soon as possible.
It's likely the coach is mulling over other changes to reinvigorate a demoralised outfit, his own job firmly on the line on the four-test tour.
Those who put their hands up included Wigan five-eighth Thomas Leuluai, Broncos utility Greg Eastwood, Roosters wing Shaun Kenny-Dowall, and Warriors lock Louis Anderson and impact player Epalahame Lauaki.
Rooster Sam Perrett is the only specialist fullback available to Kemble but his game yesterday was mixed - solid under the high ball, okay on attack but lacking position and stopping power in defence.
Leuluai has played consistently at five-eighth for Wigan and may nudge out the number six from Wellington, Ben Roberts. They need a goal-kicker and Leuluai is okay at short range at least and has more test experience than Roberts.
For the latter reason and to add game-kicking variation, plus Jeremy Smith's ordinary game in Wellington, Lance Hohaia must be in consideration at halfback despite his run in premier league at the Warriors.
Kenny-Dowall starred for the Junior Kiwis in their win over their Australian opposites in Wellington and starred again yesterday. It would be no surprise to see him called up when the test 17 for next Sunday's game at Huddersfield is named this week.
Eastwood can play lock, five-eighth and centre. He came off the bench yesterday, was heavily involved and rewarded with a try. Lauaki was a handful for the NU defence.
Kemble's other problem selection is right centre. Paul Whatuira is a certainty in midfield and the replacement for Matai is likely to be Shontayne Hape, with Eastwood taking the bench spot Hape had in Wellington, or a recall for Clinton Toopi, who also played well yesterday.
There are suspension concerns for Great Britain coach Tony Smith, who led the Northern Union side. Prop Adrian Morley was put on report for a high tackle on Awen Guttenbeil and centre Kirk Yeaman is on report for a coathanger on Nigel Vagana. Yeaman is also under an injury cloud after limping off with an ankle injury.
Danny McGuire, who scored two tries for the NU, and hooker Terry Newton did enough to earn test places.
