League: Leuluai's form leaves tough decisions

Thomas Leuluai started ahead of Issac Luke last night. Photo / Getty

It might not be a changing of the guard but we witnessed an unusual sight for the Kiwis against England last night in Dunedin.

Issac Luke didn't start the match and instead Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney used Thomas Leuluai in the dummy-half role from kickoff.

Remember, Luke was judged the world's best hooker last year, even ahead of Australia's Cameron Smith, and has had a great season for Souths. The Rabbitohs hooker has often been seen as the Kiwis MIP - Most Irreplaceable Player - and there was significant consternation when he was ruled out of the Brisbane clash with Australia.

But Leuluai had a fine match in that 30-12 win and, after being rested for the Samoa test, returned last night.

Watch: League Highlights: Kiwis 16 England 14

It may not be a long-term measure but made sense yesterday. Kearney needed Leuluai's defensive prowess - there aren't many better one-on-one defenders than the 33-test veteran - from the start of the match against England's monster pack.

He was busy early, as England dominated from the start and had all the momentum. Leuluai had to leave the field earlier than planned with a head knock, but was sent on again after Luke had a short spell.

Thomas Leuluai started ahead of Issac Luke last night. Photo / Getty

Apart from his defensive prowess, Leuluai also impressed on attack. His service was crisp and smart and he made some effective runs from dummy-half. It was a reminder of why he was so valued in the No 9 jersey at Wigan for so many years, and a promise of what might be possible for the Warriors next year.

One episode in the second half showed his value. He made a tremendous stop on a rampaging George Burgess in the middle of the field, then a few tackles later was across to make a crucial try-saving tackle near the corner flag.

Leuluai, who was on the field for both the 2008 World Cup final and 2010 Four Nations victory, is also the ultimate competitor. At one point in the second half, he missed a tackle as England made a long-range raid, but picked himself up and made the final hit metres before the line.

Luke came into his own in the latter stages of the half, before Leuluai returned for the final 10 minutes. Kearney kept both his hookers on the field for the final stages and has an enviable - and unexpected - headache for the final in Wellington next week.