John Bateman of England is brought down by Kodi Nikorima, Tohu Harris, and Dean Whare of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.
Kodi Nikorima is a pretty relaxed kind of guy. The Kiwis utility is not overly demonstrative - and keeps a level head - but admits he was "pretty excited" when coach Stephen Kearney made him a late inclusion in the second test side, at the expense of Tui Lolohea.
Nikorima
gave an impressive display at halfback in the 9-2 victory, linking well with his outside runners and creating the space for the Kiwis' only try.
The performance capped a rollercoaster few days for Nikorima. On Tuesday he was informed by Kearney that he was dropped from the 17, with Lewis Brown replacing him on the bench. But late on Thursday afternoon, after the team returned from a luncheon at the New Zealand high commission, Kearney took him aside again to tell him was now starting in the test match, instead of Lolohea.
"I was pretty excited," said Nikorima. "Earlier in the week Mooks had told me I wasn't playing - he told me he was going with experience on the bench - but I didn't drop my head, I kept working hard in training."
That focussed approach paid dividends, and Nikorima's cool head showed in his performance. He was fully involved from the outset, and in a match of few opportunities, also had two breaks in open play.
