Bradford centre Shontayne Hape will start from the bench when New Zealand face Australia in Wellington next Sunday.
Kemble confident in his men
Bradford centre Shontayne Hape will start from the bench when New Zealand face Australia in the centenary Test in Wellington next Sunday.
The 25-year-old flew out to link up with the Kiwis when the Bulls were knocked out of the first round of the Super League play-offs. He will win his 12th cap.
Kiwis coach Gary Kemble cut his squad from 19 to his match-day 17 and will hand debuts to wingers Luke Covell and Taniela Tuiaki, scrum-half Jeremy Smith, prop Fuifui Moimoi and loose forward Jeremy Smith.
Uncapped prop Jeff Lima will start on the bench.
Back rower Louis Anderson and 18-year-old centre Chase Stanley were named 18th and 19th men. Anderson is set to join Warrington next season.
"We're really happy with the players we have and the whole squad has come together well since we've been in camp," Kemble said.
"This will be one of
the most exciting Tests in some time with so many players set to make their test debuts, not just in our team but in the Australian side as well."
