Rugby league: Martin Taupau glowing of new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire

Powerhouse Martin Taupau is excited by what he sees in new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire.

The Manly Sea Eagles forward has been in career-best form for his struggling NRL side in 2018 and was an automatic selection for Maguire's squad to take on England in Denver.

The 28-year-old, part of the disastrous New Zealand World Cup campaign last year, feels the former NRL premiership-winning coach has brought an edge that the team needed.

"I'm really enjoying it," Taupau told Newshub. "He's brought a lot of energy, and a lot of clarity in what he is trying to achieve and how we achieve that.

"Training sessions have been awesome with real high intensity. It's been bang on the money."

Rugby league: Martin Taupau glowing of new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire

The Kiwis 17 for Sunday's test features seven new faces, with Maguire reaching deep into New Zealand's talent pool through injuries, unavailabilities and retirements, including stalwart Simon Mannering.

With no official team captain named, Taupau finds himself in an unusual leadership position, given his 20 test caps.

But eight-year NRL veteran told Newshub he hadn't needed to give too much input, with the new recruits embracing the challenge of test footy.

"It's been pretty cruisy to be honest. There are a few players who seek a bit of leadership and advice, but they are learning along the way and doing very well."

Taupau believes England will bring a confrontational forward game centred around the likes of James Graham and Sam Burgess.

But he believes the Kiwis are more than equipped to match what comes their way.

"They will bust up the middle," Taupau says. ”It will be a forwards-orientated game, so who can ever get on the front foot there will capitalise.

"We are fortunate to have Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves up front, as well as me, and we have some real talent on the edges, so hopefully we can make the most off of that."

Newshub.

Join us at 8am Sunday for live updates of the NZ Kiwis vs England rugby league test.