League
1News

Nikorima back in the halves, Rapana on the wing as Kiwis name experienced line-up for Tonga clash

November 7, 2017
Martin Taupau, Adam Blair and Kodi Nikorima of the Kiwis perform the Haka

Kiwis coach David Kidwell has made significant changes to the Kiwis line up once again for this weekend's eagerly-anticipated World Cup clash with Tonga.

After sitting out multiple regulars for the Kiwis' 74-6 win over Scotland, Kidwell has recalled nearly 100 Tests worth of experience for Saturday's clash with Mate Ma'a Tonga in Hamilton.

Veterans Thomas Leuluai and Simon Mannering return to the starting line up at No.9 and 11 respectively, while electric finisher Jordan Rapana returns on the right wing.

The debatable change to the line up comes in the halves with young Cowboys playmaker Te Maire Martin shifted back to the interchange for Kodi Nikorima, who teams up once again with Shaun Johnson.

Isaac Liu is the only change to the bench, which continues to look to Russell Packer, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Danny Levi to add a further spark during the match.

The Kiwis' match with Tonga kicks off at 5pm NZT at Waikato Stadium.

Kiwis:  1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Brad Takairangi, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Martin Taupau, 9. Thomas Leuluai, 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 11. Simon Mannering, 12. Joseph Tapine, 13. Adam Blair

Interchange: 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 15. Russell Packer, 16. Isaac Liu, 17. Danny Levi

SHARE ME

More Stories