Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has named a predictable team for the first test against England on Monday, with the lineup echoing the personnel used against Leeds last week.
It means that four players - Jordan Kahu, Tui Lolohea, Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Kodi Nikorima - will get their first taste of test football at the KC Stadium.
Co-captain Adam Blair has been named in an extended 19-man squad, but he will only take his place in the team if he comes through a fitness test tomorrow morning. The Broncos prop didn't train with the team yesterday but completed an individual session of running and agility to test his calf injury. Blair is ahead of schedule in his recovery, but still seems an unlikely starter.
"That's still an ongoing exercise and we'll make a call on Adam as late as tomorrow," said Kearney. "If he's unable to take the field, we've got some pretty handy replacements.
Hopefully, for Adam, he will get the chance to skipper the team with Issac Luke."
