England make two changes for New Zealand decider

[josie andrews]

Test series: England v New Zealand

Kick off: 13:00 GMT Date: Saturday 14 November Venue: DW Stadium, Wigan Coverage: Live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 live. Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website

England have made two changes to their 19-man squad for the Test series decider against New Zealand in Wigan on Saturday.

Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary and Wigan half-back Matty Smith have been brought in for centre Leroy Cudjoe and forward Ben Westwood.

Coach Steve McNamara will name his final 17-man squad for the match 90 minutes before kick-off.

England won the opening game in Hull, but New Zealand beat them in London.

Last season's Super League top try scorer McGillvary is hoping to make his debut while Smith has not played for England since August 2014 when they were beaten 16-14 by the Kiwis in Dunedin.

"The players are well aware of the importance of the game and the improvements we have to make from our previous matches to give ourselves every chance of beating New Zealand," said McNamara.

England squad in full:

John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors), Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants), James Graham (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos), Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves), Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants), Sean O'Loughlin, captain (Wigan Warriors), James Roby (St Helens), Matty Smith (Wigan Warriors), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons), Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons), George Williams (Wigan Warriors)


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/34801235

[josie andrews]

New Zealand assistant heaps praise on England skipper

New Zealand assistant Kelvin Wright has highlighted England captain Sean O’Loughlin as their biggest threat ahead of the third test.

The Wigan loose-forward scored the final try of the first test to secure England victory, whilst also impressing as the Kiwis levelled the series in the second showdown between the two teams.

Although Wright, who is also assistant coach at New Zealand Warriors, admitted that England have a number of dangerous players at their disposal, he believes that the England skipper provides the biggest danger going into the third test.

“There’s a number of outstanding, world-class players,” said Wright.

“But I think it would be tough to go past Sean O’Loughlin. He’s an outstanding football player. He can do all the tough stuff, tough carries, take all the tackles but he’s got such great ball playing ability.

“He leads them very well. But they’ve got great players across the park; Brett Ferres has had a great two tests and they’ve got plenty of big boys up front too.”

Victory over England would see New Zealand win the Baskerville Shield for the first time, and Wright believes it would be up there as one of New Zealand’s finest achievements.

“I think for the circumstances and the history of our results here would mean it would have to be ranked right up there if not at the top.”

“It’s been a long time since we won a test series here, it’s a tough place to come, especially with the circumstances around it with a few young guys playing their first series. England are an outstanding, world-class team, so if it wasn’t at the top it would be right up there for us.”

http://www.totalrl.com/new-zealand-assi ... -skipper/?

[BriH]

Test series: England v New Zealand

Kick off: 13:00 GMT Date: Saturday 14 November Venue: DW Stadium, Wigan Coverage: Live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 live. Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website

England have made two changes to their 19-man squad for the Test series decider against New Zealand in Wigan on Saturday.

Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary and Wigan half-back Matty Smith have been brought in for centre Leroy Cudjoe and forward Ben Westwood.

Coach Steve McNamara will name his final 17-man squad for the match 90 minutes before kick-off.

England won the opening game in Hull, but New Zealand beat them in London.

Last season's Super League top try scorer McGillvary is hoping to make his debut while Smith has not played for England since August 2014 when they were beaten 16-14 by the Kiwis in Dunedin.

"The players are well aware of the importance of the game and the improvements we have to make from our previous matches to give ourselves every chance of beating New Zealand," said McNamara.

England squad in full:

John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors), Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants), James Graham (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos), Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves), Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants), Sean O'Loughlin, captain (Wigan Warriors), James Roby (St Helens), Matty Smith (Wigan Warriors), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons), Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons), George Williams (Wigan Warriors)


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/34801235

Strange replacements?

[Panchitta Marra]

Will Budgie and Williams now be dropped?

[southernpie]

Will Budgie and Williams now be dropped?

I can't see any other reason to make those changes, however why drop a centre and a second row from the 19 to make way for a half and a winger

[cow yeds]

Plonker McManamara

[old hooker]

Typical perplexing selection by Mcnamara, the man is totally incompetent.

[cpwigan]

Very odd decisions if they do take place. Budgie has done nothing wrong whatsoever and is playing outside a none centre. If George was good enough in the first and second test then why change? Knee-jerk reaction?

[Mike]

Possibly looking for a stronger out-set runner in McGillavry and maybe a more structure attack with Smith?

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

Possibly looking for a stronger out-set runner in McGillavry and maybe a more structure attack with Smith?

I'm at a loss as to why Smith is anywhere near this squad let alone the 19, McGillvary on the other hand.warrants selection based on last seasons performances.