The Kiwis' task of overcoming a powerful Australian side in tonight's Anzac test in Canberra just got harder with captain Simon Mannering ruled out with injury.
Coach Stephen Kearney is already without the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Benji Marshall, Jeremy Smith, Sam Kasiano and Krisnan Inu and has now lost his leader.
It's understood Mannering injured his calf in training this week and it hasn't responded quickly enough to treatment. It was due to be his first test since taking over the captaincy from Marshall and he was also due to play in the middle of the park at lock.
His absence means 22-year-old five-eighths Kieran Foran will captain the side tonight and raw Melbourne second-rower Tohu Harris will come into the playing 17. Alex Glenn will start.
Australia are already $1.10 favourites to continue a winning record in the Anzac test since 1998 and have assembled one of the best sides in their history.
