Thomas Leuluai starts for New Zealand in opening World Cup game
Tuesday 24 October 2017 07:25, UK
Wigan scrum-half Thomas Leuluai will start at hooker for New Zealand in their opening World Cup match against Samoa in Auckland on Saturday.
The 32-year-old missed the mid-season ANZAC Test through injury but he has been given the nod ahead of Issac Luke, who was omitted from coach David Kidwell's World Cup squad after a disappointing domestic season.
Only new captain Adam Blair and former skipper Simon Mannering have more caps in the current squad than Leuluai, who will claim his 39th against the Samoans.
Kodi Nikorima is selected ahead of Te Maire Martin as the half-back partner for Shaun Johnson, while Brad Takairangi, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Isaac Liu and Danny Levi will all make their debuts.
Utility back Peta Hiku, who finished the 2017 season with Warrington, is named on an extended bench.
Super League's Grand Final referee James Child will be in charge of the game, while Challenge Cup final referee Phil Bentham will officiate Scotland's game against Tonga in Cairns.
Australia's NRL Grand Final referee Matt Cecchin will take charge of Friday's opening World Cup match between Australia and England in Melbourne.
Touch judges for the game at AAMI Park will be Chris Butler, who also officiated at the NRL Grand Final, and Englishman Chris Kendall, with his compatriot Ben Thaler acting as video referee.
Meanwhile, Belinda Sleeman will become the first female to officiate at a Rugby League World Cup after being appointed as a touch judge for the game in Townsville on Saturday between Fiji and USA.
New Zealand: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck; Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Gerard Beale, Brad Takairangi, Jordan Rapana; Kodi Nikorima, Shaun Johnson; Martin Taupau, Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair (capt), Kenny Bromwich, Joseph Tapine, Simon Mannering.
Interchange (from): Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Russell Packer, Isaac Liu, Danny Levi. Reserves: Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Peta Hiku, Te Maire Martin, Addin Fonua-Blake.
