Rugby League: Weather will dictate Kiwis' cup tactics

New Zealand want to run the ball wider in their rugby league World Cup game against the Cook Islands at Reading tomorrow.

The Kiwis have made nine changes to their starting lineup for the second pool game, with Richie Barnett, Lesley Vainikolo, Richard Swain and Ruben Wiki the only players who ran out against Lebanon three days ago to front up again.

Five-eighth and goalkicker Tasesa Lavea gets his first start for New Zealand, while centre David Vaealiki and second-rower Ali Lauiti'iti make their Kiwi debuts.

Star New Zealand five-eighth Henry Paul was unavailable because of a minor ankle injury, but is expected to be fit to play Wales at Cardiff on Monday.

Television and radio experts this week rated Paul as possibly the best five-eighth in the world, and the dangerous Bradford utility is a vital component if the Kiwis are to beat Australia in the final and win their first World Cup in 46 years.

The 26-year-old Paul is a household name in millions of British homes, and is seen everywhere on television advertisements and billboards promoting the tournament - just as Jonah Lomu did at the rugby World Cup in Britain and France last year.

New Zealand ran in 12 tries in beating Lebanon 64-0, despite a ghastly storm at Gloucester, and skipper Richie Barnett predicts the Kiwis will put in an even bigger game against the Cooks.

"We would like to open the game up more if the weather allows it. We want to see a more flowing game," Barnett said. "We couldn't go as wide as we wanted at Gloucester, but that was because it was Eskimo weather. We had never played in weather like that. It was a relief to get off the field."

Coach Frank Endacott said he was happy that tournament director Greg McCallum had ordered referees to clamp down on head-high tackles.

McCallum issued a directive to match officials and a warning to teams after the number of high challenges in the opening round of games.

Meanwhile, Samoa have made two changes to the team beaten by Ireland for today's do-or-die group four match against New Zealand Maori at Workington.

Coach Darrell Williams has named Mark Leafa, the Sydney Bulldogs second rower, to replace Fred Petersen, who has undergone an MRI scan after being concussed against Ireland in Samoa's first match.

Five-eighth Henry Fa'afili comes into the starting line-up in a tactical move to partner halfback Willie Swann, while Philip Leuluai, younger brother of former Kiwi test star James, goes to the bench.

Leuluai was a late addition to the squad after the withdrawal of Fereti Tuilagi and could take the field against his cousin, Kyle Leuluai, who is in the Maori second row.

Victory for Cameron Bell's Maori side, 17-16 winners over Scotland in their opening match, would put them straight through to the quarter-finals and leave Samoa playing for pride when they take on the Scots in Edinburgh on Monday.

New Zealand: Richie Barnett (capt), Lesley Vainikolo, Richie Blackmore, David Vaealiki, Nigel Vagana, Tasesa Lavea, Robbie Paul, Nathan Cayless, Richard Swain, Joe Vagana, Ali Lauiti'iti, Tony Puletua, Ruben Wiki. Res: Stacey Jones, Stephen Kearney, Quentin Pongia, Craig Smith.

New Zealand Maori: Clinton Toopi, Jarred Mills, Paul Whaituira, Boycie Nelson, Steve Matthews, Luke Goodwin, Jeremy Smith, Tawera Nikau (capt), Tyran Smith, Kyle Leuluai, Tahi Reihana, Jamie Cook, Paul Rauihihi. Res: Toa Kohe-Love, Martin Moana, David Kidwell, Terry Hermansson.

- NZPA

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