League: Jones under no pressure from Kiwis

LONDON - Kiwis coach Brian McClennan will not pressure Stacey Jones to continue his involvement in the Tri-Nations series.

The Kiwis took a huge step towards qualifying for the November 26 final by beating Great Britain 42-26 at Loftus Road yesterday.

Jones was instrumental in the Kiwis' intoxicating display, laying on several tries and kicking a perfect seven goals from as many attempts.

Afterwards, McClennan appeared resigned to losing his champion playmaker for the remaining matches.

Jones came out of international retirement to play in New Zealand's opening three Tri-Nations matches this month but his continued presence in the squad has always been open to question.

Jones has left the squad to take care of some marketing commitments with his new French club Les Catalans and, with his partner expecting a baby in Auckland next month, McClennan will not attempt to coerce him into returning to the team.

"In our Kiwi environment we don't like to pressure people and annoy people, so the last thing I am going to do is annoy him," McClennan said. "I'll ask him once and see what he wants to do. It's up to him."

One possible replacement for Jones is Robbie Paul who -- alongside fellow British-based Kiwis Joe Vagana, Willie Poching and Henry Fa'afili -- has been called into the squad to face England on Sunday.

With the Kiwis coming through the most gruelling part of their schedule, winning two of three tests in three different countries in the space of a fortnight, McClennan will use the game against England, effectively Great Britain B, to rest key players and give game time to some of his fringe squad members.

With Lance Hohaia expected to return to fitness soon, Paul does not think his belated involvement in the team will necessarily lead to a test recall.

"I'm just happy to be asked to take part," Paul said.

"I love pulling on the black jumper. I'm pleased this has come along because I didn't feel ready to end the season and now I'll get a chance to catch up with boys and play against some of my new and old teammates. It will be like a reunion."

Paul was especially pleased that Vagana's five-year exile from the Kiwis had been ended.

'For me that has been one of the biggest injustices there has been. He obviously fell out with a few people when he left New Zealand but you'd be hard pressed to find a more talented front rower. He is unbashable."

- NZPA