Title: New Zealand Ring in the Changes
chriswalkerbush - September 1, 2003 10:50 AM (GMT)
In the wake of a humiliating 40-18 thrashing at the hands of the red-hot Australian Kangaroos, New Zealand coach Marshal Boyd has made a number of big changes to New Zealand's squad which will clash with England this Friday at Eden Park.
Jonah Lomu, Matt Utai, Stacey Jones, Nathan Cayless, Richard Swain, Tony Puletua, and Joe Galavao retain their positions from the first game- whilst Nigel Vagana moves to the bench to make way for in form Paul Whatuira, and Ali Lauititi is dumped back to the bench.
Caleb Ralph makes way for his team-mate, Christian Cullen, whilst Tana Umaga moves into the backline. Christchurch's Carlos Spencer gets a shot in the lock role, with Andrew Mehrtens dropped from the side entirely. Spencer's half partner at the Carnage plays five eighth. Willie Talau and Tony Puletua create a dangerous back-row, with Parramatta junior and goal-kicker, Brent Webb, locking the scrum.
A new look bench includes former junior Kiwi, Evan Mears, as well as strike weapons like Ali Lauititi and Nigel Vagana.
1: Christian Cullen (Suva)
2: Jonah Lomu (North Sydney)
3: Tana Umaga (Coffs Harbour)
4: Paul Whatuira (Canberra)
5: Matt Utai (Central Coast)
6: Robbie Paul (Christchurch)
7: Stacey Jones (Manly)
8: Nathan Cayless (Parramatta)
9: Richard Swain (Parramatta)
10: Ruben Wiki (Wellington)
11: Tony Puletua (Gold Coast)
12: Willie Talau (Brisbane)
13: Carlos Spencer (Christchurch)
14: Evan Mears (North Sydney)
15: Ali Lauititi (Sydney)
16: Joe Galavao (North Melbourne)
17: Nigel Vagana (Central Coast)
brandell - September 1, 2003 11:03 AM (GMT)
Why don't you just root christchurch up the ass.
chriswalkerbush - September 1, 2003 02:31 PM (GMT)
Autitia To Make International Debut
After a solid season at hooker for the under-performing Central Phoenix, New Zealand born Gold Coast junior, Harley Auitita, is set to taste rep football for the first time in his limited career in this weekend's test against England.
Autitia, who joined Central at the start of the season after being told Gold Coast couldn't use him, will take the place of injured Parramatta star, Richard Swain, who has been sidelined for six weeks with a suspected fractured knee-cap.
ASRL Weekly Magazine
westspanthers - September 21, 2003 03:22 AM (GMT)
Hey Chris, I was just wondering can I grab some players for Cook Islands now you have named the kiwi team??????
chriswalkerbush - September 21, 2003 04:18 AM (GMT)
It's up to Marshal. He's the NZ coach, he was just busy, so I had to name this squad for the international.
Chris
PJ_Marshal - September 21, 2003 10:36 AM (GMT)
What players would these be?
