Great Britain absentees put New Zealand on front foot

The Kiwis headed to England yesterday with their Tri-Nations chances hanging in the balance but they have nothing to fear from Great Britain as far as former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott is concerned.

Great Britain coach Brian Noble has named five new caps in his 24-man squad to take on New Zealand and Australia but more notable is the number of quality absentees that helped the Lions to the brink of Tri-Nations glory last year.

Paul Sculthorpe and Kris Radlinski are both out with long-term injuries, Andy Farrell is trying his luck with rugby union, Danny McGuire is missing with a groin injury and St Helens halfback Sean Long is unlikely because of a fractured cheekbone.

 Long wasn't named in the 24 but could be added to the squad if he overcomes the injury picked up while playing Wigan last month.

"Great Britain will compete because they are playing at home but I don't see them winning the Tri-Nations for a second," Endacott said from his base in the UK, where he was this year in charge of relegated Super League side Widnes.

"They have good players but New Zealand and Australia have greater depth. Teams will have to play well to beat them but with so many new faces, who are not used to this level, they will find it hard."

Kiwis centre Shontayne Hape, who last weekend won the Super League grand final with his Bradford side, agreed. "I think they will still be a good team but they'll be below par without key players Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long," he said. "I think that works to our advantage and if we keep playing like we have, I think we will come away with the victories."

Great Britain disposed of the Kiwis twice last year, toppled Australia 24-12 in their second match and were given a good chance of taking out the competition before being overrun 44-4 in the final.

Noble is putting on a brave face despite the injuries. "They're not a focus because you've got to go with what you've got.

"If the current group prepare as well as the side did last year, then we'll be OK."

Great Britain welcome back Saints hooker Keiron Cunningham, rated as one of the best in the world in his position, and Bradford halfback Paul Deacon, who was not included in the original squad of 40.

Endacott said the front row will be the Lions' strength with Cunningham joined by Roosters prop Adrian Morley and Bradford's Stuart Fielden. "They are both tough nuts and will match the New Zealand and Australian props," he said. Endacott also expects new halves combination Rob Burrow and Richard Horne to impress.

The Kiwis flew out of Auckland yesterday and will take on Great Britain at Loftus Road, west London next Sunday morning.

Great Britain squad: Rob Burrow (Leeds), Brian Carney (Wigan), Keiron Cunningham (St Helens), Paul Deacon (Bradford), Gareth Ellis (Leeds), Stuart Fielden (Bradford), Nick Fozzard (St Helens), Lee Gilmour (St Helens), Martin Gleeson (Warrington), Iestyn Harris (Bradford), Mickey Higham (St Helens), Richard Horne (Hull), Paul Johnson (Bradford), Adrian Morley (Sydney Roosters/Bradford), Jamie Peacock (Bradford capt ), Leon Pryce (Bradford), Gareth Raynor (Hull), Keith Senior (Leeds), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds), Jamie Thackray (Hull), Chev Walker (Leeds ), Paul Wellens (St Helens), Stephen Wild (Wigan), Jon Wilkin (St Helens).

- HERALD ON SUNDAY