League: Young tyro gets chance

Wests Tigers second rower Bronson Harrison will make his debut for the Kiwis against France in Toulouse tomorrow.

Eleven of those who played Great Britain back up, including skipper Ruben Wiki who had surgery on a broken nose earlier in the week.

The Kiwis are seeking a confidence boost, while hoping the Australia v Great Britain match falls their way in Hull on Sunday, catapulting them into the final in Leeds next weekend.

There are 11 current or former Warriors in the squad but French coach John Monie will have knowledge of only Stacey Jones from his time in Auckland.

Monie was brought in to take the French through the European Cup, in which they beat Wales in the final, and for the games against Australia (lost 44-12), then New Zealand.

Harrison, 20, is rated for his upper-body strength, good support play and ability to get the ball away. He is quick for a forward.

"Bronson really made us pick him for the touring squad after his performance in Sydney for the New Zealand A side," said Kiwis coach Brian McClennan.

"He is one of the best trainers in the squad and it's great to be able to give him the chance to play his first test. He is a very talented player and I have no doubt he's got a big future in the game and in the Kiwis jersey."

There are several injury-related changes after the big loss to the Lions at Huddersfield but McClennan said they had the depth and talent, "so it hasn't been a big headache".

They remain positive about their finals chances and are rather hoping it will allow a chance for revenge against the Lions.

"A Great Britain versus New Zealand final would be good for rugby league. It would make fans, especially those in Australia who've enjoyed so much success for so long, take notice that internationally the game has come alive and is not just Australia's domain."

Lions coach Brian Noble is yet to name his team, which will also be injury-depleted. He wouldn't name a preferred opponent for the final. But he clearly said he would push the Kangaroos out if given the chance.

Asked if the message would go out to go for a field goal if the Lions were eight points up and in position to eliminate the Australians via points differential by scoring nine, Noble replied: "In triplicate."

NZ v France

Toulouse, 7.25am tomorrow. Sky TV yesterday secured rights to the Kiwis-France game and it will screen live.

Brent Webb
Jake Webster
Shontayne Hape
Clinton Toopi
Paul Whatuira
David Solomona
Stacey Jones
Iafeta Palea'aesina
David Faiumu
Ruben Wiki (c)
Frank Pritchard
Ali Lauitiiti
Bronson Harrison

Interchange: Motu Tony, Tony Puletua, David Kidwell, Louis Anderson.