Eastmond starts for England

Smith makes three changes to side to face Kiwis

Last updated: 5th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Eastmond starts for England

Eastmond: starting role

England v New Zealand
Saturday 6pm KO, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1

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St Helens stand-off Kyle Eastmond will start for England in Saturday's Gillette Four Nations clash against New Zealand at Huddersfield.

Eastmond replaces Danny McGuire in the starting XIII, with the Leeds star not even making the bench following a disappointing display in last week's 26-16 defeat by Australia.

Coach Tony Smith makes three changes to the side which lost at the DW Stadium for the must-win clash against the world champions.

Three-quarters Lee Smith and Tom Briscoe are also dropped, replaced by Chris Bridge and Peter Fox.

The other change is the recall to the replacements' bench of St Helens back row forward John Wilkin for his first appearance since the World Cup.

Tough decisions

"There have been some tough decisions to leave players out," said Smith.

"But at the same time it's nice to give some people some opportunities.

"It shows they've got to take their opportunities while they are there because there are some quality people behind them."

Eastmond was on the bench for England's opening two games and after promising displays gets his chance to start.

"I'd like to see more involvement from Kyle," said Smith.

"What he's showed so far has been exciting and we probably need to get him a little bit closer to the action."

Bridge's call-up is probably the biggest surprise, but Smith - who coaches the player at Warrington - added: "He's had a strong year. He's a big physical young man who has got some great attacking abilities."

England: S Briscoe (Hull KR); Fox (Hull KR), Bridge (Warrington), Shenton (Castleford), Hall (Leeds); Tomkins (Wigan), Eastmond (St Helens); Morley (Warrington), Roby (St Helens), Graham (St Helens), Peacock (Leeds, captain), Ellis (West Tigers), Sinfield (Leeds).
Subs: Burgess (Bradford), Crabtree (Huddersfield), Westwood (Warrington), Wilkin (St Helens).