League: Kearney makes changes to Kiwis bench for second test

The Kiwis need to win the second test to keep the series alive. Photo / Getty

Stephen Kearney hasn't wielded the axe dramatically, but he has made two changes to the Kiwis team ahead of the second test against England.

Kearney had to react - he needed to do something after last week's disappointing 26-12 loss in Hull - but he has resisted the temptation for drastic switches.

Lewis Brown replaces Kodi Nikorima as the back-up hooker option and utility forward, while Alex Glenn comes in for Sio Siua Taukeiaho.

Some other players might consider themselves fortunate to be retained, but that is probably more a reality the limited options on this tour.

But Kearney had to make changes to the bench. It has been one of the Kiwis' greatest weapon over the last 12 months, the game changer in both the Four Nations final and the Anzac test this year.

But the four man roster couldn't provide the same spark last week, whereas the England bench made the difference.

To be fair to Nikorima and Taukeiaho, it was a tough situation to make your debut in and they weren't helped by the players around them.

But Lewis Brown (eight tests) and Glenn (10 tests), whose Kiwis' careers' date back to 2011, add vital experience to a team that doesn't have that much.

Brown rekindled his international career last year, after some time away and played a vital role in the wins over the Kangaroos in Brisbane and Wellington, covering for Issac Luke and Thomas Leuluai respectively. He adds some size and weight to the pack while Glenn, who has had a memorable year for the Broncos, will stiffen up the edge defence.

"Both these guys we're bringing in were a bit unlucky to miss out the week before and offer a great deal of experience," said Kearney. "Looking at last week's game, that will be important for us this week.

"Lewis has done a great job for us in the past and Alex Glenn has had a wonderful year, so it's just desserts for them.

"We're in a position where we have to perform and these guys have done it for us before."

The Kiwis line-up for the second test against England at London's Olympic Stadium, 2.30pm Saturday (3.30am Sunday NZ) is:
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2 Jason Nightingale
3 Jordan Kahu
4 Dean Whare
5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall
6 Peta Hiku
7 Tuimoala Lolohea
8 Jesse Bromwich
9 Issac Luke
10 Sam Moa
11 Kevin Proctor
12 Tohu Harris
13 Adam Blair
14 Lewis Brown
15 Martin Taupau
16 Ben Matulino
17 Alex Glenn
18 Isaac Liu
19 Kodi Nikorima

- By Michael Burgess in London