League: Tuimavave replaces Rapira in All Golds

Warriors prop Evarn Tuimavave has joined the All Golds rugby league team to play New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on Sunday.

While he wasn't named yesterday in the Kiwis for the World Cup, the national selectors want to keep the 24-year-old match-fit in case late changes are required.

Today he was confirmed to come in for fellow Warriors prop Sam Rapira, who had been named in the original All Golds side last week.

"It's tough on Sam because he was naturally keen to play in this game. He wants to play every match he can," Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said.

"But he's had a great year and he's played plenty of football. A rest won't hurt him and it's also important for Evarn to have a run to keep him up to the mark."

Tuimavave has yet to play for the Kiwis but was in the 19-man squad in Brisbane for last year's Anzac test against the Kangaroos.

Besides being a farewell match for Ruben Wiki as well as his long-time Kiwis teammates Stacey Jones and Logan Swann, Sunday's match is being used to prepare the Kiwis for the World Cup this month in Australia.

They also have a test against Tonga in Auckland on October 18 before heading to Sydney for their first World Cup game against Australia on October 26.

- NZPA