Kiwis vs England: Michael Maguire makes three changes for third test

  • 10/11/2018
Back-row forward Isaiah Papali'i.
Back-row forward Isaiah Papali'i. Photo credit: Photosport

Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has confirmed back-rower Isaiah Papali'i will make his New Zealand debut for the Kiwis in the third test against England in Leeds on Monday (NZ time).

After initially indicating he would name his final line-up 90 minutes before kick-off, Maguire confirmed the 20-year-old Warrior would make his debut off the bench.

Papali'i replaces Marty Taupau, who was dropped, after appearing in the first two tests. He is yet to appear at test level for the Kiwis, after playing his first international for Toa Samoa against Mate Ma'a Tonga earlier this season.

The 20-year-old will be on the bench alongside Kenny Bromwich, Leeson Ah Mau and Joseph Tapine.

Maguire has also named Brisbane's Jamayne Isaako on the wing for his second test for New Zealand, replacing the injured Jordan Rapana.

Rapana was forced to return to Australia, after dislocating his shoulder during the Kiwis' 20-14 loss in the second test at Anfield.

Maguire has included three players in his extended squad, with Jahrome Hughes and James Fisher-Harris joining Gerard Beale, who hasn't played for the Kiwis since breaking his leg in the opening game of the 2017 World Cup against Samoa.

Meanwhile, replacement forward Adam Blair will edge closer to becoming just the eighth player in history to play 50 or more tests, making his 48th appearance this week.

The third test will be the first for the Kiwis at Elland Road since the 24-0 win over Australia in the 2005 Tri Nations final.

Kiwis: 1-Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (c), 2-Ken Maumalo, 3-Esan Marsters, 4-Joseph Manu, 5-Jamayne Isaako, 6-Shaun Johnson, 7-Kodi Nikorima, 8-Jesse Bromwich, 9-Brandon Smith, 10-Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 11-Kevin Proctor, 12-Isaac Liu, 13-Adam Blair

Interchange: 14-Kenny Bromwich, 15-Leeson Ah Mau, 16-Isaiah Papali'i, 17-Joseph Tapine, 18-Jahrome Hughes, 19-James Fisher-Harris, 20-Gerard Beale

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Join us at 4am Monday for live updates of the third test between the Kiwis and England.