Rugby League: Kiwis v England - all you need to know

NZ Herald

4 Nov, 2018 05:35 AM2 mins to read

Oliver Gildart runs past Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Photo / Getty Images

All you need to know ahead of the Kiwis' second test against England in Hull.

Kiwis v England, Sunday 5 November, 3.30am kickoff

The Kiwis are going into the second test of their three match series against England in the hope of forcing the series to be decided in the final encounter.

After a disappointing outing last weekend in an 18-16 loss at the hands of their hosts, the Kiwis will need a win to save the series.

Coach Michael Maguire, clearly frustrated his side blew a match there for the taking, delivered a few home truths after last weekend's loss. While more reserved speaking publicly, in the sheds Maguire gave the Kiwis both barrels.

"I don't want to give away too much but he was very stern and direct with us so we know what we have to do leading into this week," Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak said after the match.

However, according to second rower Kevin Proctor, the good times aren't far away for this Kiwis side.

"This has been one of my most enjoyable camps I've been in, and I've been in a few," said Proctor. "The last time we had success was in 2014, when we won the Four Nations [and] this camp has kind of got the same feel to it."

Adam Blair returns to the Kiwis squad for the match after a late withdrawal last weekend, with Maguire selecting the same squad as a week ago – with two players to be omitted 90 minutes before kick-off.

Teams

England: John Bateman, George Burgess, Tom Burgess, Daryl Clark, Jake Connor, Oliver Gildart, James Graham (c), Chris Hill, Josh Hodgson, Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson, Jermaine McGillvary, Richie Myler, Adam Milner, Mark Percival, Luke Thompson, Sam Tomkins, Elliott Whitehead, George Williams (two to be omitted).

Kiwis: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (c), Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Jesse Bromwich, James Fisher-Harris, Jahrome Hughes, Shaun Johnson, Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Esan Marsters, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Kevin Proctor, Jordan Rapana, Brandon Smith, Joseph Tapine, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (one to be omitted).