League: Kearney warns of wrestle-fest in rematch

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney wants clarification on how the ruck will be controlled on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

A selection headache for Kiwis coach Steve Kearney ahead of Saturday's World Cup semifinal against England in Brisbane.

He rested a number of key players at the weekend but the new players still helped the Kiwis beat England 36-24 in their final pool match in Newcastle.

Kearney says with a wide range of players now in the running for the semifinals he will go through the tape and make a decision on the team as late as possible.

England also have four rested players available for this weekend's rematch.

Kearney will seek a meeting with World Cup referees' boss Mick Stone this week after becoming frustrated at the inconsistency displayed so far by the officials.

The Kiwis believe England was allowed to drastically slow down the play the ball and they are annoyed about the leniency shown by the referee.

Kearney says he will take the issue into his own hands if it continues in the semifinal.

He wants to know if the ruck will be controlled in the same way for Saturday's clash because if that is the standard then he will have his team practicing wrestling all week.

There is good news for centre Steve Matai, who has been cleared of serious neck injury although it is still unknown whether he will be available for the rest of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Australia has warmed up for the knock-out stages of the World Cup with a 46-6 thumping of Papua New Guinea in Townsville to finish top of their group.

David Williams scored a hat-trick on debut while Joel Monaghan crossed for a double inside the first half.

The Kangaroos led 22-0 at halftime. PNG has finished the tournament without a win.

The Kangaroos will face either Ireland or Fiji in the semifinals next weekend.

Samoa has ended the tournament on a high, recording a 42-10 win over France in Penrith.

- NEWSTALK ZB