League: Four changes for Kiwis

Kiwis player Nigel Vagana in training. File Picture / Dean Purcell

CHRISTCHURCH - Kiwis coach Brian McClennan today made four personnel changes for the Tri-Nations rugby league test against Great Britain in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Two of the changes were forced, with wing Shontayne Hape and centre Steve Matai being ruled out due to injuries picked up in the 15-20 loss to Australia in Melbourne last Saturday.

Tame Tupou has been named to replace Hape, with the experienced Nigel Vagana moving from five-eighth to centre and Jerome Ropati partnering Stacey Jones in the halves.

McCleannan named Frank Pritchard to replace Tony Puletua in the second row.

New Zealand Rugby League announced that Penrith's Puletua had been released from the Kiwis' Tri-Nations campaign on compassionate grounds due to a personal family issue.

Kiwis: Brent Webb, Tame Tupou, Nigel Vagana, Iosia Soliola, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki (captain), Nathan Fien, Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell, Frank Pritchard, Simon Mannering.

Interchange: Motu Tony, Nathan Cayless, Jason Cayless, David Fa'alogo. 18th man: Adam Blair.

- NZPA