Kiwis poised to name starting side

Published: 6:25AM Wednesday October 21, 2009 Source: ONE Sport

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

Coach Stephen Kearney is expected to name his Kiwi line-up on Wednesday night for Saturday night's Four Nations clash against Australia at the Twickenham Stoop.

After arriving in London late on Saturday, the Kiwis had their first training on Tuesday and are having another run on Wednesday night at the London Irish Rugby Football Club.

After building up for the inaugural Four Nations tournament with a 40-24 victory over Tonga in Rotorua last week, the New Zealanders have set up camp in rugby union territory in London.

They could scarcely be any closer to England's rugby home Twickenham, staying in the Marriott London Twickenham which is literally part of the 82,000-seater stadium.

The venue for the Kiwis' first game is a dual purpose home ground for the Harlequins' rugby union and rugby league clubs.

Among the players on the books for the English Super League side is former Warrior Karl Temata. When the club was known as the London Broncos, current Kiwi utility Thomas Leuluai, another former Warrior, was on the books for the 2005-06 seasons.

While the world champion Kiwis and the Kangaroos give the Four Nations its first big match, the tournament begins on Friday night when host England meets France in Doncaster.

On Tuesday Kearney and captain Benji Marshall travelled by train to Leeds for the official launch of the tournament, joined on the trip by their Australian counterparts Tim Sheens and Darren Lockyer.

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

League Video

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.