League: Goal-kicking problem with Faumuina out

Benji Marshall is a player to watch.

The Kiwis have a problem at goal-kicker after Sione Faumuina was ruled out of the Anzac test late yesterday with injury.

Faumuina, who suffered a knee tear in the Warriors' win over Newcastle on Sunday, had an MRI scan yesterday, the results of which prompted the elevation of Storm second-rower David Kidwell to the starting line-up, with Clinton Toopi called on to the bench.

But it was unclear who will kick for goal in Friday night's test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Supremely confident Benji Marshall has put up his hand for the job, despite being on test debut and not kicking for his club, Wests Tigers.

Asked by coach Daniel Anderson about his ability with the boot, Marshall responded quickly: "If you want me to do it, I will."

Anderson did not jump at the offer, instead saying only that he also had offers from props, and "I know who is not going to be doing it".

There is no recognised goal-kicker in the starting 13 or off the bench, Faumuina having done the job sporadically for the Warriors and in the 2003 test win over Australia at Albany.

Marshall will be entrusted with some of the field-kicking. The coach may not want to load too much responsibility on him, but he does not have many options.

The Kiwis remain confident despite the setback, with a better feel about this camp than there was ahead of last year's Anzac test.

Anderson and captain Ruben Wiki commented on the excitement in the mix of youth and experience, and the flow-on effect from the Tri-Nations tour.

"The spirit is improved and the team looks stronger every time we get together," Wiki said.

He had introduced some team-mates to kava - "give them a taste of Wiki," he laughed - and there was little alcohol, lots of Christianity and plenty of commitment ahead of the game.

It is Wiki's first for four weeks after suspension, and his 44th test, two short of Gary Freeman's record.

"That's not in my mind - well, maybe in the back of the mind, but I'm just happy to play as long as I can," said the Warriors prop.

Wiki relishes the chance to repair the Kiwis' image after defeats in the last two Anzac games.

"We know we can play better than that, and that's what we want to do," he said.

Former Kiwi Sam Stewart will present the side with their test jerseys at a dinner on Thursday night.

Halfback Thomas Leuluai was expected on a flight from England late last night.

Anderson said he was more excited and more relaxed about their prospects ahead of this game than he was last year, and had no concerns about the talent, ability or experience of the 17.

"I definitely think we'll challenge more. We've been towelled up in the last couple of Anzac tests, but I think we're all more aware of the nuances of individual players and the subtleties of preparation.

"It's very important that we have specialist players in key positions this time. We could have moved people around, but we've picked specialists.

"Benji is a true No 6 and we haven't had one of those in my time with the Kiwis. It adds a little bit to the balance."

Anzac test

NZ v Australia 9.30pm Friday

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane