League: Rookie Kiwis wingers face Aussie attack

The Kangaroos will test the big-match mentality of debuatant Manu Vatuvei. Mark Nolan / Getty Images

The Kiwis team that opens the Tri-Nations series against Australia in Sydney on Saturday includes two debutants on the wing, where Australia are sure to attack.

Warrior Manu Vatuvei convinced the selectors he was up to big-matches with the game he produced against Newcastle in Stacey Jones' last outing at Ericsson Stadium.

The Storm's Jake Webster's consistency through the NRL season won him his place, as did the form of third new cap David Faiumu, who is fresh from the finals series.

"The young players deserve their spots in the side," coach Brian McClennan said. "They've shown plenty of skill and commitment throughout the season and have really shone out in the Kiwis camp."

The Kiwis sport an experienced pack, with ground-gaining and ball-playing ability from Paul Rauhihi and Ruben Wiki at prop and David Kidwell and Frank Pritchard in the second row.

"We've got a strong team, but it's not just physical strength, there is a very strong bond between this group of men," McClennan said. They are confident in their ability.

Roosters centre Iosia Soliola was a late injury withdrawal, opening a spot for Warrior Clinton Toopi. He and Paul Whatuira offer strong midfield defence.

Lance Hohaia starts at hooker after a lengthy rehab from a leg injury. McClennan said he had confidence in the medical team's assessment and that the alternative, Motu Tony, had to travel from England and would be in contention after a hit-out with the New Zealand A side that plays the curtainraiser on Saturday against the Junior Kangaroos.

Another player who could benefit from a run with the A-team was Penrith second rower Tony Puletua who returns after surgery, McClennan said.

"It would have been a little bit unreasonable of us to put Tony in that position [the Kiwis] and the New Zealand A game is a great opportunity for players to make the touring squad [to England] and to get game-time."

Of Soliola, who was ruled out with a knee injury, McClennan said, "He'll play for the Kiwis one day".

The coach also had praise for the new boys.

"Jake [Webster] is one of the form players, he had a great season for the Storm and he played in the semis; Manu [Vatuvei] is maturing and he's one of the most athletic players you'll come across - that Newcastle game really convinced us he had what it takes to play the big games.

"David [Faiumu], he's very quick. He's a good find because we don't have a lot of dummy-half players."

McClennan hinted at his game plan, though it will be of no surprise to the Aussies.

"We've got a strong pack, a powerful front line. They'll be thinking like they usually do that they'll weather the storm then come home strong in the last 10 minutes of each half so our game has to be to keep getting stronger at the end of each half."

In other words, take the Australians on up the middle - they've named a big, four-forward bench to do that. They'll fancy their chances running at Aussie skipper Darren Lockyer who ended the NRL season lacking spark because of injury.

The Kangaroos yesterday named two debutants in Storm centre Matt King on the right wing and Cowboys second rower Luke O'Donnell, who gets the injured Nathan Hindmarsh's spot.

Warriors prop Steve Price starts in the front row.

Andrew Johns has joined the Kangaroos from Warrington. His kicking game may well be the deciding factor.

* Sydney, Saturday 10.30pm

Australia

Anthony Minichiello
Matt King
Brent Tate
Mark Gasnier
Timana Tahu
Darren Lockyer (c)
Andrew Johns
Ben Kennedy
Craig Fitzgibbon
Luke O'Donnell
Petero Civoniceva
Danny Buderus
Steve Price

New Zealand

Brent Webb
Jake Webster
Paul Whatuira
Clinton Toopi
Manu Vatuvei
Nigel Vagana
Stacey Jones
Paul Rauhihi
Lance Hohaia
Ruben Wiki
David Kidwell
Frank Pritchard
Louis Anderson

Interchange:

Kangaroos: Jason Ryles, Craig Gower, Andrew Ryan, Trent Waterhouse.

Kiwis: David Faiumu, Roy Asotasi, Nathan Cayless, David Solomona.