Hugh McGahan: New boys ready to rumble

Brian McClennan names his first Kiwis side next week and, while I don't think there will be any shocks, there will be newcomers. If we look at the fullbacks there is only one choice and I am dumbfounded to think where we would be if Brent Webb did not make himself available for New Zealand. His poise is essential in pressure situations and his speed in kick returns is vital to match that of an Anthony Minichello.

With Francis Meli and Matt Utai unavailable, a new pairing will force a rethink. Newcomers Manu Vatuvai (Warriors) and Jake Webster (Storm) have been mentioned - both are young, raw and will add excitement with the ball in hand. They have had contrasting seasons but speed and power on the flanks gives confidence to the centres and these two will not shirk the task.

The centres have players juggling form in Clinton Toopi (Warriors), Jamaal Lolesi (Bulldogs), Iosia Soliola (Roosters) and Nigel Vagana (Sharks) and will be fighting hard to pair up with Paul Whatuira, who has been a consistent performer all season for the Tigers. A lifeline might be thrown to Vagana to start at five-eighths but he's not suited to this role and has struggled previously. Despite this, his all-round experience is needed in this team.

Lance Hohaia is probably being seen as a hooker but I think he should be partnerned with Stacey Jones for the opening two tests. When Jones is missing for the UK leg of the competition, there will be at least one constant in the most vital of positions.

McClennan has more options and better form in the forwards leading into this series. Jason Cayless (Roosters) is out even though he's in the best form of his career but brother Nathan (Eels) will be an able replacement.

When you consider Ruben Wiki (Warriors), Roy Asotasi (Bulldogs), the Leuluai boys, Kylie (Sea Eagles) and Phillip (Sharks), Hutch Maiava (Sharks), Alex Chan (Storm) and Iafeta Paleaaesina (Warriors) as options, the power up front is there.

Louis Anderson is a certainty at hooker if Hohaia is in the halves. In the back row, Tony Puletua, Joe Galuvao, Frank Pritchard (all Panthers), Awen Guttenbeil, Monty Betham, Wairangi Koopu (Warriors) and David Kidwell (Storm) would provide a strong unit along with young Bronson Harrison (Tigers), who has shown enough to be considered a tourist for the experience.

It's a strong side - but affected by the unavailability of Sione Faumuina, Cayless, Utai, Meli, Benji Marshall, Sonny Bill Williams, Jerome Ropati and Thomas Leuluai. However, some in England will come into calculation as they finish club commitments - Joe Vagana, Shontayne Hape, Lesley Vainikolo, Robbie Paul (Bradford), Ali Lauiti'iti (Leeds), Logan Swann, Toa Kohe-Love, Henry Fa'afili (Warrington), Richard Swain (Hull), Vinnie Anderson and Willie Talau (St Helens).