League: Time is right for Ropati

Many pundits believe Jerome Ropati can be groomed into a classic five-eighth. Sandra Mu / Getty Images

While the nation has been grappling with the now infamous "last eight minutes at Melbourne", the Kiwis have been planting signposts to the future in Christchurch.

Kiwi coach Brian McClennan, braving a biting cold wind at their training ground, announced a handful of changes to the side beaten by Australia in Melbourne for Saturday's clash against Great Britain.

Jerome Ropati shifts from hooker to make his first test start at standoff, switching to the backline for the injured Steve Matai.

Nigel Vagana moves to centre.

In other changes, second rower Frank Pritchard replaces Tony Puletua, wing Tame Tupou returns for the injured Shontayne Hape, and Nathan Fien starts at hooker.

Puletua was released yesterday and flew to Sydney to be with his sick grandmother.

The English-based Motu Tony and Jason Cayless join the bench, with Adam Blair.

Dene Halatau (shoulder) trained yesterday but was ruled out.

Ropati and Pritchard, with limited test experience, are two great future hopes for the Kiwis.

Ropati's selection continues a remarkable test initiation: it's unlikely there's been another player whose first three test starts have come at fullback, hooker and five-eighth.

The Kiwis could have covered for Matai by switching Simon Mannering to the centres.

But those who believe the time is right to groom a classic five-eighth will welcome the change.

Ropati and Stacey Jones combined in the halves on three or four occasions for the Warriors, a short history together but an important one for this test.

"It's always been an option," McClennan said. "He's [Ropati] had a fair shot at standoff with the Warriors and he's been making a pretty good fist of it.

"If we can get similar momentum to last week and we get a bit of running room, I think he'll be very effective."

That is not an overwhelming endorsement, but the 21-year-old Ropati can now stake a claim in his preferred position.

He also offers defensive potential after averaging more than 20 tackles a game for his club.

Ropati found his dummy half role tiring in Melbourne.

"I cherish the opportunities I've had ... and when you represent your country you don't care where you play. But standoff is pretty much my favourite position and Bluey has given me the chance to stamp my mark there," he said.

The hard-charging Pritchard, a bench player in the first game at Mt Smart, had an 80-minute hit out for New Zealand A in Melbourne and was always earmarked for a return in Saturday night's match at Jade Stadium.

With Sonny Bill Williams, he represents the high-visibility future for the Kiwi pack.

Pritchard's forte is impact rather than workrate, and he offers a contrast to the more predictable Puletua.

The 22-year-old Pritchard, who will play his seventh test, imposed a media ban on himself this series after tangling with controversy before the Anzac game in Brisbane.

"Do I have to do this?" Pritchard asked media at the Aranui High School fields. "I'll just let my football do the talking this time and stay right out of it."

But he added: "The Poms, if you've got no respect for them, they will run right over you. They smashed us the last time we played them.

"The only player I know in the Pommie side is Adrian Morley and he's always a tough bloke."

Pritchard's inclusion adds a flamboyant edge, as does the mad-stepping Tony.

New Zealand should pose questions from dummy half with Tony backing up Fien and adding to the kicking game.

Great Britain name their side today.


Kiwis v Gt Britain, Jade Stadium, Saturday 8pm

Kiwis: Brent Webb, Tame Tupou, Nigel Vagana, Iosia Soliola, Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati, Stacey Jones, Ruben Wiki (c), Nathan Fien, Roy Asotasi, David Kidwell, Frank Pritchard, Simon Mannering

Interchange: Motu Tony, Nathan Cayless, Jason Cayless, David Fa'alogo. 18th man: Adam Blair.