KEY POINTS:
The battle around the play-the-ball and the ground made out of dummy-half could well be the decider in the second test between the Kiwis and Great Britain at Hull tomorrow.
Both teams have changed their rake, the Kiwis bringing back David Faiumu to inject some speed and incision and the Lions swapping Terry Newton for Jon Clarke who makes his debut.
The visitors have left the injured Tame Tupou and Epalahame Lauaki out, though coach Gary Kemble said both could have played if pressed and it was a matter of not risking them.
"Both players have recovered well but they're not right to play this week in what's obviously a critical test for us," said Kiwi coach Gary Kemble.
Veteran Clinton Toopi comes back at centre to provide experience and solidity, with Shontayne Hape shifting out to the left wing where Tupou was in the first test.
But the Lions, across the board, still enjoy nearly twice as much international experience. Toopi and captain Roy Asotasi have a total of 38 tests between them while the other 15 players have a combined total of 106 tests. The Lions side has totalled 195.
The Lions have also made two changes to their starting line-up with Warrington hooker Clarke making his test debut at age 28, while Kevin Sinfield returns at lock after suffering a stomach virus that kept him out of the 20-14 win at Huddersfield.
Missing from the winning side from test one are hookers Terry Newton and James Roby, the latter allowed time out from the squad after his wife gave birth six weeks prematurely, and backrower Jon Wilkin.
Kemble said the Kiwis' training had been crisp this week and the harmony good.
"They have a determined look in their faces," he said.
Of the change back to Faiumu who played in the big loss to Australia then was dropped last weekend, Kemble said they believed Great Britain were vulnerable around the ruck and would press there. "So are we, so we've also been beefing up our marker defence," said Kemble.
Prop Fuifui Moimoi is back in full training after missing early sessions following the heavy clash with opposite Sam Burgess that sent him from the field for a time last Sunday.
Kemble said the background, with the Lions employing high shots and swinging arm tackles then the repeat dismissal of citings and the lack of judiciary follow-up, was sure to spark some fireworks but he had impressed on his players that they could not lose focus, lose discipline and concede penalties or, worse, risk a send-off.
"We have spoken at length about controlling our aggression. I can't see it turning into a grudge match," said Kemble. "We're not going out there to do anything silly. We can't afford to get into trouble."
Kemble was largely happy with the refereeing of Aussie Tony Archer in test one but will seek a joint meeting with he and Lions coach Tony Smith "so we're all on the same wavelength".
It is unlikely that the two Junior Kiwis called into the squad yesterday will get game-time on this tour, the intention rather that they are blooded in the culture and atmosphere of the test side with a look to the future.
Souths halfback Eddie Paea and Penrith hooker Masada Iosefa who was part of their Jersey Flegg grand final winning side but is yet to play top grade in the NRL will arrive in Leeds on Monday.
"We need to provide opportunities like this to enable our young players to make a smooth transition into the full national side," said convenor of selectors Howie Tamati. "We have plenty of other players who are out of the under-19 bracket who have caught the eye, players like Rangi Chase and Issac Luke. They're very much in the picture as well."
"In the case of these two players, we're also talking about two positions where it's vital for us to develop more depth and quality."
There will be restrictions on the use of trainers on the field during play tomorrow after the Lions complained that New Zealand had three runners out issuing instructions at Huddersfield at times and that Kemble was coaching during the game.
Former Warrior Justin Murphy has just completed three years' residency in France and has been named in the French team to play Scotland in Perpignan next week under ex-Warriors coach John Monie.
Leeds have completed re-signing the whole of their Super League title-winning side, so the only new man at the Rhinos next season is former Kiwis coach Brian McClennan.
