League: Three changes to Kiwis line-up

11.15am - By ROBERT LOWE

LONDON - New Zealand today made three forced changes to their starting line-up for their second Tri-Nations rugby league test against Australia in London this weekend.

British-based winger Lesley Vainikolo and second rower Logan Swann have been included in the 13, as has Parramatta prop Nathan Cayless.

They take the places of Matt Utai, Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao, who returned to Sydney after last Saturday's 16-16 draw with the Kangaroos for previously scheduled off-season surgery.

Vainikolo and Swann were unavailable for the test at North Harbour Stadium, having been involved in the English Super League grand final with Bradford, who lost to Leeds.

Cayless began the test as a substitute. His addition to the starting front row means skipper Ruben Wiki moves into the second row.

There are two changes on the bench, with Bradford skipper Robbie Paul and North Queensland prop Paul Rauhihi coming in.

Coach Daniel Anderson said the only difficulty in choosing the side came from losing Utai, Puletua and Galuvao.

Everyone else who played in the opening Tri-Nations test was retained, with the exception of interchange player Motu Tony, who has been given leave to be with his wife and newborn son.

"I didn't think anyone that came over (from that test) warranted anything but praise," he said.

"All those players retained their positions. Hopefully we can complement that with players outside the 17 in last week's game."

Vainikolo, who last played for the Kiwis in their 10-37 defeat in the Anzac test in April, has been in phenomenal try-scoring form, bagging 39 for the Bulls this season.

Anderson said it was close call between Paul and 19-year-old Louis Anderson in the No 9 jersey.

"Maybe we'll throw the young boy in there to absorb the fire and then bring on a bit sharpness back into the first half," he said.

It was also close between Swann and uncapped Warrior Wairangi Koopu, Anderson said.

Swann got the nod because of his greater mobility and edge as a backrower.

The former Warrior had played 25 tests, the last being the Kiwis' 6-48 defeat in Sydney last year.

One player in the tour party was not considered. Leeds second rower Ali Lauitiiti has been allowed time with his family and will join the squad on October 30.

New Zealand play Australia at Loftus Road on Sunday morning NZ time.

New Zealand: Brent Webb, Francis Meli, Nigel Vagana, Paul Whatuira, Lesley Vainikolo, Vinnie Anderson, Thomas Leuluai, Jason Cayless, Louis Anderson, Nathan Cayless, Logan Swann, Ruben Wiki, Sonny Bill Williams.

Interchange: Robbie Paul, Paul Rauhihi, Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell.

- NZPA