League: New Kiwis coach Michael Maguire confident young side can match England in Denver test

Young Kiwis forward Joseph Tapine scored two tries in Canberra's 48-12 NRL win over Wests Tigers yesterday. Photo / Photosport.

New Kiwis coach Michael Maguire is backing his young players to stand tall against an experienced England side in Sunday's (NZT) test against England in Denver.

Maguire has named seven debutants in an under-strength 19-man squad for the match at Mile High Stadium, with several first-choice players unavailable due to retirement, suspension, injuries, and NRL club commitments.

The new-look Kiwis face a daunting task against a Wayne Bennett coached England outfit containing just three uncapped players, and 11 members of the side that were edged out 6-0 by Australia in last year's World Cup final in Brisbane.

Former captains Simon Mannering, Adam Blair, and Jesse Bromwich are all missing from the Kiwis pack, along with second-rower Tohu Harris and front-rowers Russell Packer and Ben Matulino, but Maguire is confident his side has the size and power to match the likes of England's Sam Burgess and James Graham.

Veteran Kiwis front-rowers Martin Taupau and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will provide experience in the middle and help recalled hooker Issac Luke lead the way for the likes of rookie forwards Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Joseph Tapine, and James Fisher-Harris, and newcomers Leeson Ah Mau, Herman Ese'ese and Raymond Faitala-Mariner.

Canberra second-rower Tapine is primed to play his seventh test, after starring with two tries in the Raiders' 48-12 win over Wests Tigers yesterday.

"With the pack that I've got it's probably a bit larger than a few of them so that's not a concern at all," said Maguire.

"I look at the list that I've got and they're all playing good football and Joe's (Tapine) another one that as he grows, can really establish himself in this arena.

"Simon Mannering and a few other boys retired but what it presents now is a great opportunity for these younger boys to come in and create their own peice of history around the jersey."

Young halves Kodi Nikorima and Te Maire Martin look set to steer the side's attack while versatile outside backs Peta Hiku, Jordan Kahu and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will slot in around debutant wings Ken Maumalo and Jamayne Isaako, and centre Esan Marsters.

Maguire has been impressed by Maumalo's form on the left wing for the Warriors, with the former Samoan international producing strong performances back-to-back in the last two wins over the Sea Eagles and Cowboys.

"I was there In Christchurch and watched him play against Manly and he was one of the best on the field," he said.

"Across a lot of these younger kids they're playing some of their best football and starring for their teams so it's well deserved."

With Warriors captain and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck opting to miss the test, Hiku, Kahu and Watene-Zelezniak are all contenders to replace him in the No 1 jersey.

"There's a number of people in the team that can play in that position," said Maguire.

"Dallin's been playing some pretty spectacular football at Penrith at the moment. Peta can fill a number of positions and he's playing good footy."

Maguire plans on having at least three training sessions to help the players build combinations and adjust to the high altitude.

He admits many of the group are heading into the unknown but wants his players to relish the experience while working towards producing a strong performance.

"We'll have three (sessions) and we'll assess that when we're over there too. The experience of doing something like this with a group of players travelling to Denver, it's a bit of a dream for a lot of people. A lot of these kids probably haven't travelled to America as well.

"We've got to enjoy the experience but also know that we're going over there to do a job and bring back some joy and pride into that jersey."

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