Kiwis make two changes

Matulino handed debut against France on Saturday

Last updated: 29th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Kiwis make two changes

Matulino: Debut

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New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney will hand a debut to 20-year-old Warriors second rower Ben Matulino in Saturday's Four Nations match against France in Toulouse.

The move comes as Kearney is forced to make two changes to the side that drew 20-20 with Australia last weekend.

With backrowers Bronson Harrison and Jeff Lima both ruled out with calf injuries, the St Helens-bound Iosia Soliola has also been promoted to the second row.

The Leeds-bound Greg Eastwood will consequently take his place on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury.

"It's terrific to see Ben having his opportunity to play Test football so early in his career," said Kearney.

"He has worked really hard ever since we've been in camp and deserves his chance.

"While it's disappointing for Bronson and for us that he won't be able to play this week, Sia has done a fantastic job off the bench in the last two weeks. That made it easy for us."

Meanwhile, France have called two New Zealand-born players into their squad.

Coach Bobbie Goulding has turned to Limoux prop Arty Shead and former Catalans forward Andrew Bentley following the loss of Remi Casty through injury and David Ferriol to suspension.

Both men qualify for France through residency, the 24-year-old Bentley linking up with younger brother Kane, who was a tryscorer in last Friday's 34-12 defeat by England.

New Zealand: Hohaia (NZ Warriors); Perrett (Sydney Roosters), Matai (Manly), Sa'u (Newcastle), Goodwin (Canterbury); Marshall (Wests Tigers, capt), Fien (St George Illawarra); Nuuausala (Sydney Roosters), Leuluai (Wigan), Moimoi (Parramatta); Soliola (Sydney Roosters), Pritchard (Penrith), Blair (Melbourne).
Subs: Luke (South Sydney), Eastwood (Canterbury), Waerea-Hargreaves (Manly), Matulino (NZ Warriors).

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