League: Who will the Kiwis miss the most?

Shaun Johnson is a massive loss for the Kiwis. Photo / John Stone

For many Kiwis fans, there is one question above all hovering over the upcoming series with England.

How will the New Zealand team cope without the absence of their 'big six'?

Heading into this series there has almost been as much focus on those not there as the men selected. Indeed, one English newspaper described the absence of Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran, Simon Mannering, Jason Taumalolo, Thomas Leuluai and Manu Vatuvei as the "elephant in the room' ahead of the battle for the Albert Baskerville trophy.

Coach Stephen Kearney has assembled a strong squad, arguably far superior to the 1989, 1993, 2002 and 2007 touring sides. The roster is full of hardened NRL players, with many veterans of the successful 2014 Four Nations campaign. But the players missing are vital men, and it remains to be seen just how irreplaceable they are.

Who will the Kiwis miss the most?

1. Shaun Johnson.

He's a massive loss, although the Kiwis won't fall apart like the Warriors did. Issac Luke will take over much of the play making responsibility and the powerful pack should ensure the backs have time and space. Tui Lolohea has a different style, but can be just as elusive on his feet and is a dangerous runner. However, Johnson is the best goal kicker this country has by some distance and has a tremendous long kicking game. He's also the most dangerous attacking player in the game.

Importance factor: 9/10

2. Simon Mannering.

The Kiwis are currently blessed with a number of dynamic, agile forwards but probably none with the defensive capabilities of Mannering. He is the glue that holds the defence unit together and a lot will be asked of the props, plus Luke and Kevin Proctor in his absence. Defence wins test matches - and Mannering was a vital figure during their 16-14 win over England in Dunedin last year.

Importance factor: 8.5/10

3. Kieran Foran.

Tons of big game experience and always plays well for the Kiwis. Not always spectacular but highly effective. The Kiwis will lose nothing defensively with Peta Hiku at five eight - the Manly player is a strong defender - but they will miss one of their best talkers on the field. Foran also has a clever short kicking game and is a good organizer.

Importance factor: 8/10

4. Thomas Leuluai.

If grit wins test matches, you normally want Leuluai somewhere near the ball. Pound for pound the best defender on the team, he has an old school ruggedness that goes a long way in tight games. He's also versatile, able to play hooker, in the halves or even at lock. But Lewis Brown was a capable deputy in the 2014 Four Nations finals and Kodi Nikorima is a handy option across the spine.

Importance factor: 7.5/10

5. Manu Vatuvei.

Vatuvei was overlooked for the 2014 Anzac test and also missed out on the Kiwis win in Brisbane later that year. But the `Beast' bounced back in the second half of that Four Nations tournament, scoring the decisive try in the 16-14 win over England then grabbing a brace in a man of the match performance in the final. He scored another double (and another best on field award) in the 26-12 Anzac test win this year. Vatuvei is one of the best in the world at bringing the ball out of his own territory and the Kiwis will miss his go forward and finishing ability, though they are arguably defensively stronger with Jason Nightingale and Shaun Kenny-Dowall on the flanks.

Importance factor: 7/10

6. Jason Taumalolo.

He was one of the best forwards in the 2015 NRL grand final, to top a spectacular year for the 22-year-old. One of the hardest players to tackle in the sport, his power bends the line on almost every run. But the Kiwis won without him in Brisbane this year, and Sio Siua Taukeiaho has many of the same attributes. Taumalolo is a tremendous player - one of the best in the world - but this Kiwis team has some like for like replacements.

Importance factor: 7/10

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