Scotland make two changes for Four Nations clash with New Zealand

Scotland have made two changes while New Zealand will play all their uncapped rookies in Friday's Four Nations clash at Workington.

Bravehearts coach Steve McCormack has recalled half-back Ryan Brierley and forward Billy McConnachie, who both made their debuts in the opening defeat by Australia before being dropped for last Saturday's defeat to England.

Brierley has fully recovered from an ankle sprain while McConnachie gets another opportunity after impressing in training this week, with hooker Callum Phillips and prop Sam Brooks making way.

Centre Kane Linnett, scorer of Scotland's opening try in the 38-12 defeat by the English, has recovered from an ankle injury, much to McCormack' relief. 

He said: "Kane is a quiet achiever in this team and if you speak to anybody at North Queensland Cowboys, they will tell you how good he is. They have got some world-class players in that team and Kane is one of them.

"I think every time he has played for us he has been great. I like the way he goes about his business because he works hard and keeps his head down and he is world-class for me."

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will win his second cap for the Kiwis in place of rested full-back Jordan Kahu and winger David Fusitu'a will make his debut on the wing as a replacement for leading tryscorer Jordan Rapana.

With Te Maire Martin, 21, James Fisher-Harris, 20, and Joseph Tapine, 22, set to make their debuts off the bench, New Zealand coach David Kidwell will have used all 24 members of his squad in the first three games.

Kidwell said: "It's an exciting opportunity for these young players. They are hungry, their effort and attitude in training has shown me that, and they'll bring a lot of energy.

"The most important thing right now is we need to win. Scotland started really well against England and we need to respect that. They have improved every game and if you add that on top of the conditions, we have a tough challenge ahead."

Scotland squad: D Addy (Bradford), E Aitken (St George Illawarra), R Brierley (Huddersfield), D Brough (Huddersfield), T Cassel (Wests Tigers), L Coote (North Queensland), L Douglas (Gold Coast), D Ferguson (Bradford), B Hellewell (London Broncos), L Hood (Leigh), B Kavanagh (Bradford), K Linnett (North Queensland), F Mariano (Castleford), B McConnachie (Ipswich Jets), B Phillips (Workington), M Russell (Warrington), D Scott (Batley), L Tierney (Wigan), A Walker (Hull KR)

New Zealand squad: D Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith); J Nightingale (St George Illawarra), S Kata (NZ Warriors), G Beale (Cronulla), D Fusitu'a (NZ Warriors); T Leuluai (NZ Warriors), S Johnson (NZ Warriors); J Bromwich (Melbourne, capt), I Luke (NZ Warriors), A Blair (Brisbane), M Ma'u (Parramatta), T Harris (Melbourne), G Eastwood (Canterbury Bulldogs).

NZ Subs: T Maire Martin (Penrith), M Taupau (Manly), J Fisher-Harris (Penrith), J Tapine (Canberra).