England v New Zealand: James Roby enjoying new role
Last Updated: 30/10/15 5:43pm
James Roby is out to make an impact in his new England role when the three-match series with New Zealand gets underway.
McNamara looks set to retain the formation that demolished France 84-4 on Saturday, with former Hull KR hooker Josh Hodgson getting the No 9 jersey and Roby coming on from the bench.
The Saints hooker will win his 24th cap for England in the first Test against the Kiwis, after he was named part of an unchanged 19-man squad by Steve McNamara.
"It's quite different to what I normally do at St Helens but I did really enjoy it on Saturday and I feel good for it," Roby said. "I felt a bit fresher and maybe a bit faster around the ruck.
"I've been used to playing 80 minutes week in, week out, and you have to manage your game - you can't just go hell for leather in the first 10 minutes and then burn yourself out.
"Against France, I had an idea I was going to come on halfway through the first half, do around 40 minutes and come off halfway through the second half so I could go all out and try and provide that bit more of a spark, give a bit more energy and buzz around the ruck."
With full-back Sam Tomkins injured, McNamara has opted not to change his line-up after they ran in 15 tries against the French.
"We've set ourselves up to perform well in the four internationals that we've got and the French result last week was a good reflection of the way the team prepared and practised in the two weeks prior to it," McNamara said.
"There's areas for improvement, of course, and we'll come under much more pressure and intensity this week. It's about being able to perform to the same level even though the pressure is on. We're looking forward to that challenge.
"As for New Zealand, we saw some of the real strengths they possess against Leeds Rhinos last Friday. As the game wore on, their combinations improved and their world-class players really shone."
Roby is one of just six England players who have beaten New Zealand after being part of the team that won 28-6 at the KC Stadium to reach the final of the Four Nations Series in 2011.
However, he was also in the team beaten in the last minute of the 2013 World Cup semi-final at Wembley. After watching on as New Zealand held on for a win in last year's Four Nations Series in Dunedin, Roby believes England are on the verge of a long-awaited victory.
"It was disappointing not to reach the final two years ago but we can take a lot of confidence from that and they were very close games last year against Australia and New Zealand, so I do think everything is going in the right direction," Roby said.
"We have had that steady kind of progression and hopefully this year we can take it one step further. I don't see why we can't. I know New Zealand are a fantastic team but, if we get our game right, I'm confident we can make that breakthrough on the international scene."
Half-back Tui Lolohea, centre Jordan Lahu, hooker Kodi Nikorima and forward Siosiua Taukeiaho will win their first caps after playing against Leeds.
England squad: John Bateman, Joe Burgess, Tom Burgess, Michael Cooper, Leroy Cudjoe , Liam Farrell, Brett Ferres, James Graham, Ryan Hall, Zak Hardaker, Chris Hill, Josh Hodgson, Sean O'Loughlin (c), James Roby, Kallum Watkins, Ben Westwood, Elliott Whitehead, Gareth Widdop, George Williams.
New Zealand: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 Jason Nightingale, 3 Jordan Kahu, 4 Dean Whare, 5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall, 6 Peta Hiku, 7 Tuimoala Lolohea, 8 Jesse Bromwich, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Sam Moa, 11 Kevin Proctor, 12 Tohu Harris, 13 Adam Blair.
Interchange (from): Kodi Nikorima, Martin Taupau, Ben Matulino, Sio Siua Takeiaho, Alex Glenn, Lewis Brown.