League: On-the-job bomb disposal training

Manu Vatuvei and Jake Webster are working overtime to master a key component of their Kiwis' job description: bomb disposal experts.

With the Kangaroos boasting two of the code's premier tactical kickers in Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer, the uncapped wingers are expecting to be on the receiving end of an aerial bombardment in the Tri-Nations test at Telstra Stadium in Sydney.

Vatuvei has twice faced Johns in the NRL this season and, promisingly, acquitted himself well.

"I know what to expect, and although I'm nervous, all I can do is play my heart out for the boys," the debutant said after a skills session at Parramatta Stadium yesterday.

Webster, who until this season was a back-up centre at the Melbourne Storm, has also been doing extra homework on his play under the high ball in anticipation of being targeted on the right flank.

"They have two of the best kickers in the world and they'll test us out, but we have spent a lot of time settled on our wing, taking high balls and kicks. I'm pretty confident we can defuse them."

Kiwis coach Brian McClennan is also optimistic, denying that blooding two rookies is a risk.

"Manu and Jake are good catchers of the football. They can bomb and kick to our wingers all they like.

"We're confident the boys are going to catch them and then they're going to start our sets well, too, because they're strong."

The Kiwis backline have undergone radical surgery since their last outing in April's Anzac test, with only centre Paul Whatuira and makeshift five-eighth Nigel Vagana retained in the starting 13. Both have pivotal roles to play tomorrow.

Whatuira has to keep Brent Tate and Mark Gasnier quiet while trying to reprise an old partnership with Webster that stems toplaying together in the Queensland Cup.

"We played together in the lower grades at the Storm and at Brisbane Norths (Melbourne's feeder club) so we're pretty familiar with our styles of play."

Vagana, meanwhile, has left the security of his usual midfield role to solve a halves crisis with returning playmaker Stacey Jones.

Vagana has played only one of his 27 tests at five-eighth. He also ended the Sharks' NRL campaign partnering Brett Kimmorley and may move there permanently next year.

Although the back division is missing first-choice players such as Benji Marshall and wing Matt Utai, McClennan was buoyed by the selection of a strong pack.

"They're looking strong. Nathan (Cayless), Ruben (Wiki) and Roy (Asotasi) all won the forward of the year award at their (NRL) clubs."

North Queensland Cowboys utility David Faiumu is the only new cap in the pack. He will share the dummy half role with Lance Hohaia and can also slot in the second row.

- NZPA